GROUP 1 WIN EFFICIENT'S FIRST RACE SINCE 2007 MELBOURNE CUP

THE 2007 Melbourne Cup winner, Efficient, firmed to second favoritism for this year’s big two-miler with an upset win in the $500,000 G1 Turnbull Stakes, 2000m, at Flemington on Saturday.

Bookmakers reacted quickly to the win by Efficient firming him to $6 for the Melbourne Cup despite the fact that he had not won a race since his success almost two years ago.

Capping a career topping day for jockey Nick Hall, Efficient, $26, came with a strong finish to win by a half head from Predatory Pricer, $5.50, with Scenic Shot, $31, a length back third.

Trainer John Sadler said Efficient was the best he had been since an enforced injury lay-off which saw him miss last year’s Melbourne Cup. He said a coffee with owner Lloyd Williams had boosted his confidence going into the Turnbull Stakes.

“I’ve never had him better than what he is at the moment,” Sadler said. “His work has been terrific both at home and at Moonee Valley but I thought he’s just be running home well.

“I had a coffee with Lloyd in Carlton yesterday. He was very confident the horse could be in the finish and the horse has proved him right.”

Sadler said Efficient would miss the Caulfield Cup and head straight to the Cox Plate. “Before this I thought he had a place chance in the Cox Plate. I’ll have to revise that thought now and think he can win it.”

Efficient provided Nick Hall with his first Group One success following in the footsteps of his father, Greg, who enjoyed big race success for Lloyd Williams.

Jockey Shane Scriven said Scenic Shot had no luck and was forced to race wide before battling strongly for third just in advance of pace-maker Maldivian.

Vigor, the $4.20 favorite, struck trouble and beat only two to the line. He has drifted sharply from early favoritism for the Caulfield Cup and last night was out to $12.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Viewed flashed home to finish just behind the placegetters and has firmed to $13 to repeat his effort in this year’s big two-miler.