Having not won since May, Firestorm Red was a $14 prospect and not expected to trouble the well-tried-favourite Hurricane Harley ($1.50) from Emma Stewart's stable.

With awkward barrier draws in the heat and semi-final of the Breeders Crown series, Firestorm Red found himself awkwardly placed both times, having to come wide and make up too much ground towards the end to figure in the placings.

It meant he missed the Group 1 decider, yet he had still done enough to qualify for the silver pace.

Although drawing better that - going from the inside of the second row - Turnbull was still not confident in his colt's winning chances.

"His previous runs had been good so I was hoping with a good trip he could fill a hole, but I definitely didn't think he was a chance of beating Hurricane Harley," Turnbull admitted.

Following out the $4.30 shot Struve, also trained by Stewart, Firestorm Red secured a cosy trip behind the leader.

With a lap to go the classy Hurricane Harley loomed up to sit outside its stable-mate and leader, but Firestorm Red was too quick up the sprint lane winning by a narrow short half head margin.

"I knew he had the speed, but he has been lacking a bit of toughness," Turnbull said.

"He was a weak two-year-old but came back stronger this season, I'm hoping after another spell he will come back even stronger again."

With no specific races now in mind for the gently natured colt, Turnbull is just planning on playing it by ear with him.

"He will probably have about six to eight weeks off and then come back into work," Turnbull said.

"It will be harder racing when he returns, so I'm just hoping he keeps stepping up."

After a successful end to what has been a long campaign, Firestorm Red is set to return home to his The Lagoon based stable where he will enjoy a spell.