Andrea Leek, based in Pakenham, has achieved her most significant career victory with Cosmic Crusader claiming the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. The trainer now harbours hopes of returning to the premier track for Australia’s ultimate weight-for-age contest, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper, aiming for an even more substantial prize.

This year, the Cox Plate, typically held at Moonee Valley, will be staged at Flemington on October 24 due to ongoing track renovations at its usual home.

Guided by jockey Willie Pike, Cosmic Crusader, who started at $8, demonstrated a strong affinity for the heavy track conditions, crossing the line 1-¾ lengths ahead of Light Infantry Man ($26). Aeliana ($3.80) secured third place, a length further back.

Leek commented that concentrating on her horses has provided a welcome distraction from family challenges, as her husband John is currently unable to stay on their property due to a disqualification.

“I think I’ve been lucky to have this focus,” Leek stated. “It’s been tough on the family, and I have just focussed on my horses and that is what has got me through.”

Prior to Saturday’s event, Cosmic Crusader had not competed beyond 1800 metres but handled the increased distance with ease.

Leek attributed the former Perth galloper’s success to his existing race fitness.

“I just think, I shouldn’t say it, but he was the fittest in the field,” Leek remarked. “He’s had a few runs now, I thought he had come on from the last run, and I just thought he would run the 2000 (metres).”

She added, “He’s a tricky horse but I sent a message to Bob (Peters) this morning, (saying) there’s no excuses today. He’s spot on and thank God I was right.”

Saturday marked Cosmic Crusader’s debut on a heavy track, though he had previously won five of his six starts on soft going.

Leek expressed no reservations about the track conditions, having galloped the gelding on a heavy track at Pakenham previously.

“It was about a heavy 15 one morning,” Leek recalled. “The tracks were closed but they were good enough to let us work him because he was going into one of his previous races. He went across the top of it like it was a good track and I was pretty confident he would handle the wet today.”

She concluded, “I can’t wait to go and see the horse and see how he’s pulled up. It was a great ride from Willie, I’m very appreciative of the Peters family and I’m thrilled for my whole family.”

Pike suggested that Cosmic Crusader’s ability to perform on a forgiving surface was instrumental to his victory on Saturday, following his second-place finish behind Birdman in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19.

“What might have brought us unstuck last start was the firmer deck,” Pike explained. “To get good cut out of it today, I think it wasn’t quite as heavy as I initially thought, and he loved it.”

He added, “He was back being edgy today. I like him when he’s up and about, throwing his head. I like this version of him.”

The Turnbull Stakes provided a significant confidence boost for Cosmic Crusader’s Cox Plate campaign. Punters looking to back a potential contender can find the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.