Flemington Blackbookers and horses to follow from Turnbull Stakes Day

Vallice looks a genuine Victoria Derby prospect following an encouraging runner-up performance in the Super Impose Stakes. The three-year-old settled back before working into the race around the bend, producing the fastest 600m–400m split, but the winner had the sharper turn of foot when it mattered. He was comfortably the best of the colts and geldings, with a filly taking out the race, and there should be plenty of improvement to come considering he was only second-up and rising sharply from 1400m to 1800m. The son of Maurice looks well suited to getting out over further ground, with the Japanese stallion having already produced dual Derby winner Hitotsu, who claimed the Victoria Derby (2500m) and Australian Derby (2400m) as a three-year-old. Vallice has all the makings of a Derby type and should continue to improve as the distances increase.

Saintly Dancer produced arguably the most visually impressive performance of the afternoon when demolishing her rivals by six lengths in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was able to do it at both ends of the race, showing plenty of early speed to find the front before enjoying a mid-race breather and exploding clear when Ethan Brown asked for an effort approaching the 400m. It was a remarkable performance considering she was stepping up to 1600m for the first time and tackling a Heavy 10 surface, with another three and a quarter lengths separating the runner-up and third placegetter. The daughter of St Mark's Basilica has now won two of her five career starts and looks a leading contender for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), particularly if there is some give in the ground.

Joely was no match for the runaway winner Saintly Dancer in the Edward Manifold Stakes but there was still plenty of merit in her runner-up performance. The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained filly was left chasing a dominant leader but continued to work through the line, producing the fastest final 200m of the race and putting more than three lengths on the third placegetter, Beautiful You. She was stepping out over 1600m and gives the impression that she will appreciate getting out over further ground as her preparation progresses. The margin back to the winner may look significant on paper, but there was plenty to like about the way Joely closed off, and she is worth sticking with when she steps up in distance.

The Next Episode continues to build an impressive profile and looks a serious contender for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) following his performance in the Danehill Stakes. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt has long been held in high regard, having been purchased for $2.8 million as a yearling, and his connections have made no secret of their intention to target the Coolmore as his spring grand final. The son of Snitzel demonstrated his considerable ability during his juvenile campaign, including a dominant victory in the $1 million Magic Millions (1000m) race at the Gold Coast in May, where he overcame traffic before accelerating clear. His ability to quicken has always been a standout attribute, and with the Coolmore run over the Flemington straight six, he looks one to keep firmly onside.