The next edition of the Bill Stutt Stakes takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse on Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Day.
The Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 is a headline three‑year‑old mile event on the spring calendar, and with the 2026 edition shifting to Caulfield Racecourse on a Sunday, punters get a fresh look at the rising stars aiming to stamp themselves as genuine Guineas contenders. Run over a testing 1600m, the race brings together progressive types on the up, sharp second‑up and third‑up improvers, and lightly raced talents ready to tackle Group 2 pressure. With its long‑standing reputation for producing elite milers and shaping Caulfield Guineas markets, the Bill Stutt Stakes offers punters strong early form indicators, tactical depth and plenty of betting appeal. For those chasing value, futures angles and raceday plays, the Bill Stutt Stakes is a must‑watch spring stepping‑stone that often reveals the next standout three‑year‑old.
2026 Stutt Stakes Odds
The season’s latest Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 betting odds and links to our markets will be available right here the week of the race so stay tuned for the top Melbourne racing odds this spring followed by the official finishing order after the event.
| 1. Diameter (1) J: James McDonald 57kg 13×66 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 6th of 10 in the G3 Up and Coming Stakes at Rosehill on August 29 over 1300m, 3.5 len behind Plagiarism carrying 61kg at $26. Second run from a spell 6th of 14 in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 2 len behind Lara Antipova carrying 58kg at $13. Profiles nicely. No luck last time and is suited up to a mile here. | |||
| 2. Hidrix (10) J: Ben Melham 57kg 50×59 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 5th of 13 in a Bm78 at Randwick on August 22 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Sovereign Hill carrying 56.5kg at $8.50. Last start ran second last of 10 in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill on September 12 over 1400m, 6 len behind Persian Wonder carrying 56kg at $11. Okay fresh but not sure where he’s at. | |||
| 3. Obambulate (5) J: Nash Rawiller 57kg 11×85 T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 8th of 10 in the G3 HDF McNeil Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1200m, slow going 5.5 len behind American Eagle with 57kg at $9. Second-up 5th of 14 in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Lara Antipova carrying 57.5kg at $51. Risking. | |||
| 4. Cliff Runner (9) J: Damien Thornton 57kg 29×10 T: Danny O’brien | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming won by a head in a Mdn-Sw at Seymour on August 27 over 1200m in the wet defeating Enea with 57kg at $14. Last start eased back early on 10th of 14 in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Lara Antipova with 57kg at $101. Has plenty to find on latest. | |||
| 5. Somethings Burnin’ (6) J: Damian Lane 57kg 0x123 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start 3rd of 14 in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 1.2 len behind Lara Antipova carrying 57kg at $4.60. The run before that 2nd in a small field in a 3yo Bm64 at Sandown-Hillside on September 2 over 1300m, on a slow track; neck behind Tolaga Bay with 60.5kg at $2.45. Had chance latest but ran well, up to a mile should suit. | |||
| 6. Cignetti (7) J: Blake Shinn 57kg 35×12 T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Mdn-Sw at Sale on August 21 over 1400m in soft going defeating Passio with 57kg at $1.90. Last start 2nd in a small field in a 3yo Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m, slow going 3.5 len behind Lepolo carrying 56.5kg at $2.35. No luck last time, he can roll in front and try to stretch these. | |||
| 7. Scarole (3) J: Thomas Stockdale 57kg 8221 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start scored a big 3.5 len win in a Mdn-Sw at Caulfield Heath on September 16 over 1500m defeating Corviglia with 57kg at $4. Before that held ground to the line 2nd of 8 in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Hillside on September 2 over 1500m, slow going 1.5 len behind Boys Bounce with 58kg at $8. This is a fair bit tougher. | |||
| 8. Boys Bounce (8) J: Jye Mcneil 57kg 31 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Had two starts to date. At debut, 3rd of 8 in a 3yo C&G Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Lakeside on August 19 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Somethings Burnin’ carrying 58kg at $14. Second-up favourite; won by 1.5 len in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Hillside on September 2 over 1500m on a rain affected track defeating Scarole with 58kg at $1.80. Progressive colt who can figure in the finish. | |||
| 9. Russian Rock (2) J: Adam Mccabe 57kg 3×1 T: Michael Trotter | |||
| Second-up. First start 3rd of 10 in a 2yo Hcp at Sandown-Lakeside on March 25 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Hydrobomb with 58kg at $71. Went for a break before returning favourite; won by 0.8 len in a Mdn-Sw at Kilmore on September 13 over 1450m on a soft track defeating Akari Spirit with 57kg at $2.40. This is a much tougher ask. | |||
| 10. Lara Antipova (4) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 11×91 T: Mark Walker | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 9th of 16 in the G3 Quezette Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1100m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Natural Fling with 59kg at $8.50. Second run from a spell raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.8 len in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m defeating Aragog carrying 57.5kg at $9. Much better last time and gets in very well at the weights here, go close. | |||
Bill Stutt Stakes Tips
Good Bill Stutt Stakes tips include looking for graduates out of earlier Melbourne, spring runs over at least 1400m, runners with previous form at the track and backing the favourites.
Few double-figure chances win the Stutt Stakes, making laying the favourite a risky Stutt Stakes tip.
Ladbrokes Tip: The Stutt Stakes makes a nice Caulfield Guineas betting guide each spring
2026 Stutt Stakes Predictions & Best Bets
Our Ladbrokes’ insider Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 betting tips and exotic Manikato Stakes Day racing selections will be detailed below the week of the race so bookmark this page to see the three-year-olds to back and sack in the race.
| 10. Lara Antipova (4) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 11×91 T: Mark Walker | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 9th of 16 in the G3 Quezette Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1100m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Natural Fling with 59kg at $8.50. Second run from a spell raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.8 len in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m defeating Aragog carrying 57.5kg at $9. Much better last time and gets in very well at the weights here, go close. | |||
| 5. Somethings Burnin’ (6) J: Damian Lane 57kg 0x123 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start 3rd of 14 in the LR Michael Moroney (Exford Plate) at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 1.2 len behind Lara Antipova carrying 57kg at $4.60. The run before that 2nd in a small field in a 3yo Bm64 at Sandown-Hillside on September 2 over 1300m, on a slow track; neck behind Tolaga Bay with 60.5kg at $2.45. Had chance latest but ran well, up to a mile should suit. | |||
| 7. Scarole (3) J: Thomas Stockdale 57kg 8221 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start scored a big 3.5 len win in a Mdn-Sw at Caulfield Heath on September 16 over 1500m defeating Corviglia with 57kg at $4. Before that held ground to the line 2nd of 8 in a 3yo Mdn-Sw at Sandown-Hillside on September 2 over 1500m, slow going 1.5 len behind Boys Bounce with 58kg at $8. This is a fair bit tougher. | |||
The Bill Stutt Stakes is a Group 2 race for three-year-olds traditionally held at Moonee Valley Racecourse in late September / early October on what is currently Manikato Stakes Day during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
The 2026 edition of the Stutt Stakes moves from The Valley which is closed for redevelopment to Caulfield.
The meeting’s current feature race is the Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m), while the Bill Stutt Stakes is the key support act on the card along with the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) for the mares, Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) for Cox Plate hopefuls, and the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) for three-year-old fillies.
The Stutt Stakes is also run over the mile (1600m) and is a set weights race offering $300,000 in total prize money.
Over the years the Stutt Stakes has made a nice guide to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) held later in October and the latest horses to complete the double were Whobegotyou (2008) and Griff (2023).
Alternatively, sprinters may target the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) or those with staying potential the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) both run at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Stutt Stakes Race Info
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Track: Moonee Valley Racecourse (Caulfield Racecourse in 2026)
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: 3YOs – Set Weights
- Status: Group 2
- Prize Money: $300,000
- First Run: 1934
2026 BILL STUTT STAKES PREVIEW
2026 BILL STUTT STAKES ODDS
2026 Bill Stutt Stakes Results
The official Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 results & race finishing order will be detailed below once the race takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
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Bill Stutt Stakes Betting
Stutt Stakes odds are led by in-form three-year-olds with good lead-up form in similar company that have proven ability over the mile.
Stutt Stakes betting favourites have a gun record in the race over the past two decades including the 2017 success of Showtime ($3.70), that of odds-on Leonardo Da Hinchi in 2018, Glenfiddich ($2.50 in 2020), and most recently Tijuana ($2.30 in 2022).
2026 Stutt Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Follow the big money Stutt Stakes bets on the Group 2 sprint in Melbourne this weekend right here!
Bill Stutt Stakes Field
The Stutt Stakes race field attracts the season’s most promising three-year-old milers and youngsters looking to step out over more distance later in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
Horses in the mix usually come off a lead-up Melbourne run and the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington a fortnight before has produced a number of Stutt Stakes winners in recent years including Sovereign Nation (7th in 2015), Showtime (5th in 2017), Leonardo Da Hinchi (2nd in 2018), Tijuana (3rd in 2022), Griff (2023) who was the latest to complete the Exford Plate – Stutt Stakes double, and the fellow Ciaron Maher trained West Of Swindon (2nd in 2025).
Graduates out of the Stutt Stakes field are often heading towards the Caulfield Guineas over the same distance.
In 2013 Stutt Stakes winner Divine Calling ran second next time out in the Caulfield Guineas, while the runner-up in the Group 2 that year Shamus Award ran third in the Guineas before success in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) later that campaign.
Pierro meanwhile won the 2012 Stutt Stakes before a Caulfield Guineas second and Cox Plate third, while Whobegotyou (2008) followed by Griff (2023) were the latest winners of the Stutt Stakes – Caulfield Guineas double.
The Bill Stutt Stakes nominations close the Monday before the race runs on the Sunday with the final field and barriers released on the Wednesday.
2026 Stutt Stakes Field
The official Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 final field & barrier draw will be released the Wednesday of race week and published in full below so stay tuned to see what middle-distance three-year-olds line-up in the Group 2.
The Stutt Stakes 2026 field features a compact but smart field of three-year-olds including Mark Walker’s Group 1 winning filly Lara Antipova coming off a Listed Exford Plate win at Flemington.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Diameter
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller |
813×66 | C | 1 | 57kg | |
|
2. Hidrix
J: Ben Melham
T: Chris Waller |
350×59 | C | 10 | 57kg | |
|
3. Obambulate
J: Nash Rawiller
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
611×85 | C | 5 | 57kg | |
|
4. Cliff Runner
J: Damien Thornton
T: Danny O’brien |
29×10 | G | 9 | 57kg | |
|
5. Somethings Burnin’
J: Damian Lane
T: Chris Waller |
30×123 | C | 6 | 57kg | |
|
6. Cignetti
J: Blake Shinn
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
35×12 | G | 7 | 57kg | |
|
7. Scarole
J: Thomas Stockdale
T: Ciaron Maher |
8221 | C | 3 | 57kg | |
|
8. Boys Bounce
J: Jye Mcneil
T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
31 | C | 8 | 57kg | |
|
9. Russian Rock
J: Adam Mccabe
T: Michael Trotter |
3×1 | G | 2 | 57kg | |
|
10. Lara Antipova
J: Zac Lloyd
T: Mark Walker |
111×91 | F | 4 | 55kg |
2026 Stutt Stakes Nominations
The Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 nominations are released the Monday leading-up to Manikato Stakes Day.
Bill Stutt Stakes Form Guide
The Stutt Stakes form guide features all the must-know info for punters from the jockeys and trainers to the barriers and lead-up runs of the horses in the field.
The Stutt Stakes form has also stacked up in Group 1 races later in the spring over the years including in 2013 when the runner-up Shamus Award won the Cox Plate two runs later.
Another later Melbourne class the Stutt Stakes form has held up in recently is the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington, a staying classic the 2008 Stutt Stakes – Caulfield Guineas champ Whobegotyou ran second in that spring.
Virtuous Circle franked the 2022 Bill Stutt Stakes form improving on a third to finish runner-up next start in the Moonee Valley Vase and returning in the autumn of 2023 to finish second in Sydney’s Australian Derby results.
The 2024 Bill Stutt Stakes winner Evaporate ran a brave next-up third in the Caulfield Guineas trifecta that spring.
2026 Bill Stutt Stakes Form Guide
A link to our detailed Bill Stutt Stakes 2026 Form Guide will be provided for punters below the week of the race.
Past Bill Stutt Stakes Results
Favourites have dominated the Stutt Stakes race results over the past 20 years with the class three-year-old usually saluting for the punters including Showtime (2017), Leonardo Da Hinchi (2018), Glenfiddich (2020), and Tijuana (2022).
Other notable recent Bill Stutt Stakes winners include Almalad (2014), Pierro (2012), Whobegotyou (2008), Red Dazzler (2005), Viscount (2011), Griff (2023), and Evaporate (2024).
St Clemens Belle (1998), who dead-heated for first with Helm, was the last Sutt Stakes winning filly.
Recent Bill Stutt Stakes Winners
Recent Bill Stutt Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | West Of Swindon | Romantic Encounter | Hillier | 1:37.15 |
| 2024 | Evaporate | Henlein | Rue De Royale | 1:36.32 |
| 2023 | Griff | Verdad | Autumn Angel | 1:36.0 |
| 2022 | Tijuana | Foujita San | Virtuous Circle | 1:39.3 |
| 2021 | Forgot You | Mr Mozart | Daily Bugle | 1:35.8 |
| 2020 | Glenfiddich | Cherry Tortoni | Holyfield | 1:37.6 |
| 2019 | The Holy One | Vegas Knight | Conqueror | 1:37.3 |
| 2018 | Leonardo Da Hinchi | Muswellbrook | Mark The House | 1:37.5 |
| 2017 | Showtime | Salsamor | Holy Snow | 1:37.1 |
| 2016 | Hey Doc | Land Of Plenty | Kaching | 1:37.4 |
| 2015 | Sovereign Nation | Get The Picture | Gredington | 1:36.1 |
| 2014 | Almalad | Moonovermanhattan | Kumaon | 1:38.8 |
| 2013 | Divine Calling | Shamus Award | Cluster | 1:37.2 |
| 2012 | Pierro | Carringbush Jack | Jimando | 1:36.3 |
| 2011 | Chase The Rainbow | Cute Emily | Sabrage | 1:38.3 |
| 2010 | Hollowlea | Run For Levi | Bullbars | 1:37.2 |
| 2009 | Carrara | Extra Hero | Miss With Attitude | 1:39.5 |
| 2008 | Whobegotyou | All American | Carnero | 1:36.3 |
| 2007 | Barbaricus | Davcon | Cecconi | 1:36.0 |
| 2006 | Churchill Downs | Magic Jet | Ankh Morpork | 1:36.7 |
| 2005 | Red Dazzler | Stratum | Maybe Better | 1:38.0 |
| 2004 | Mr Martini | Under Command | Danaurum | 1:37.8 |
| 2003 | Casual Pass | Special Harmony | Face Value | 1:37.2 |
| 2002 | Helenus | Aint Here | Half Hennessy | 1:39.6 |
| 2001 | Viscount | Dash For Cash | Amalfi | 1:38.1 |
| 2000 | Sarson Trail | Keeper | Make Me A Miracle | 1:38.7 |