The Caulfield Racecourse hosts some of the best races in Australia. But, they’re easy to miss if you don’t plan for them in advance. Whether you’re a pro punter looking for your next winning bet or just looking for the exhilarating thrill of horse racing, attending races at Caulfield would help you get your fill. Here are some of the best races at the Caulfield track you can attend during the season.
The Caulfield Cup
Date: October
Race: Caulfield Cup, Group 1, 2400m
Prize: $5 million
The Caulfield Cup is one of the biggest staying races at the Caulfield track, leading up to the Melbourne Cup. With its significant prize pool, some of the top races from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Japan attend the race. For those who enjoy watching the elite compete, this is a good race to attend.
The Caulfield track itself is known for its tight turns and short home straight. Over 2400m, the start of the race is just before the first bend, which means that horses with inside draw generally get a better position earlier in the race while those on the outside expend more energy. If you plan on betting on this race, here are some tips for you
- Focus on experienced horses with long-distance races. Horses that are stepping up from 1600m and 2000m races might struggle to keep up with the extra distance
- Keep an eye on the lead-up races to see how horses perform
- Don’t get fixated on international runners; rely on solid research to make a bet
The Caulfield Guineas
Date: October
Race: Caulfield Guineas, Group 1, 1600m (3-year-old)
Prize: $3 million
The Caulfield Guineas is the testing ground for up and coming champions. If you’re an avid punter, this is where you want to be. The Guineas has launched some of the careers of great runners like Redoute’s Choice, Lonhro, and Autumn Sun. This race is full of hype and is exceptionally enjoyable for those looking for a thrill.
The race itself starts in a chute that feeds into sharp turn. Once again, horses with the inside lane have the upper hand and can generally maintain their position on the corners. The home stretch is quite short, which makes it challenging for horses that have the wide lane, but not impossible. Here are some betting tips for the Caulfield Guineas:
- Stick with horses that have proven themselves in long distances of 1400m or more
- Check what horses finish well in the Prelude or Golden Rose; they may stand a good chance in the Guineas
- Keep an eye on the barrier draw. Horses that get stuck behind struggle to recover if they have a bad barrier draw
Blue Diamond Stakes
Date: February
Race: Blue Diamond Stakes, Group 1, 1200m (2-year-old)
Prize: $2 million
The Blue Stakes Diamond is a premiere juvenile race. It’s a high-stakes sprint where the future stars get to strutt their stuff and show the world their potential. It’s fast, flashy, and often very unpredictable, making it perfect for those of you who enjoy thrillers. Expect the race to kick off fast and one or two major betting swings.
This race also begins at a chute and joins the course just before the turn. Like the other Caulfield races, positioning is important, and so are the track conditions. On dry days, on or off pace runners do fairly well, with the rail position playing a big role in the overall outcome of the race, too. Here are some betting tips for the Blue Diamond Stakes:
- Your safer bet would be to go with experience. Look for 2-year-olds that already have a winning reputation
- It’s helpful to research how these horses performed in previous races. Try to get your hands on some footage if possible
- Horses that get the wide draw struggle unless they have great acceleration at the start. Your best bet would be on barriers 1 to 7
C.F. Orr Stakes Day
Date: February
Race: C.F. Orr Stakes, Group 1, 1400m (WFA)
Prize: $750,000
As the first Group 1 race on the calendar, the Orr stakes is the kick off of the season so you get to see first hand how the off-season training went for the racers for the year. At the Orr Stakes, you’ll notice a lot of the middle-distance stars resuming there route to races like the Futurity or the All-Star Mile later in the year.
The Orr is a 1400m races and generally favours horses that have good acceleration and a good tactical ability. If you get stuck in the wrong position, it can be hard to come back unless the pace is strong and the field is strung out (the horses are spread out, not bunched together). Here are some betting tips:
- Don’t place an early bet on the front runners unless they have a strong lead, look for those who have consistent pace and form
- Horses that specialise in weight for age are usually the safer bet
- Look for shifts in the odds late; this usually indicates a change in yard confidence
Thousand Guineas Day
Date: October
Race: Thousand Guineas, Group 1, 1600m (3-year-old fillies)
Prize: $1 million
This race is the ultimate test for 3-year-old fillies. It’s usually a mid-week event, but don’t let that fool you, the Thousand Guineas attracts some top talent as well as a large crowd. You’ll find a lot of emerging stars at this race and a multitude of good betting opportunities.
As young horses, the fillies don’t handle the corners and pressure on the straights well at Caulfield, which makes for a very interesting race. If you can, try your best to keep an eye on the horse’s temperament during the parade or in the mounting yard, you’ll often see if they’re unsettled.
Underwood Stakes
Date: Late September
Race: Underwood Stakes, Group 1, 1800m (WFA)
Prize: $1 million
The Underwood Stakes is considered a a crucial preparation race for the Caulfield Cup or the Cox Plate. You’ll find a decent group of classy weight-for-age types who are all gunning for the more prestigious races to make a name for themselves. The tempo for this race is normally moderate, making it a more tactical race than solely relying on speed.
As a 1800m race, the horses have a little more time to find a good pace and position. If the rail is out and the track is firm, the horses sometimes find it hard to loop the field. Try spot patterns early on in the race and let it play out a bit. You might be surprised by how it ends. Here are some betting tips:
- Bet on horses with experience in similar races. Experienced horses would generally run well
- Stick to WFA specialists
- Consider the trainer and jockey stats and intent
Where can you find out more about the Caulfield Races?
If you’re planning on betting on horse races at the Caulfield track, then it would be in your interest to do your research. Stay up-to-date with this helpful page from Ladbrokes which covers everything about upcoming racing at Caulfield. Not only will you stay up to date with everything Caulfield, but you’ll get the best tips and great odds.
Final thoughts
Get your calendar out and choose the races you want to attend, if not all. As a punter or family, you can have a fantastic time at the horse races at Caulfield as you watch history in the making.
