The latest edition of the Bletchingly Stakes ran on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse and was won in a dominant first-up performance by the Memsie Stakes-bound Cosmic Crusader ($3.60F).
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes shapes as one of Caulfield’s key winter sprints, and Ladbrokes punters are already diving into the latest Bletchingly Stakes odds 2026, market movers and early Bletchingly Stakes betting plays for the final Group race of the season. This traditional July feature regularly attracts proven sprinters resuming ahead of the spring, offering sharp form lines, tactical speed maps and plenty of value for bettors chasing an edge. With class runners returning, emerging types on the rise and Caulfield’s winter conditions adding another layer to the puzzle, this page delivers the essential insights, stats and betting angles you need to make confident plays on one of Melbourne’s most reliable mid‑season betting races.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Results
The Bletchingly Stakes 2026 results and full finishing order of the late-season winter sprint will be published below once the race is run and won on Friday, July 24, 2026.
- #1 Cosmic Crusader
- #7 Winnasedge
- #2 Recommendation
Cosmic Crusader ($3.60F) delivered exactly what punters hoped for at Caulfield, exploding late to stamp himself as the clear headline act in the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes results. First‑up after a long 224‑day break and dropping sharply from his Northerly Stakes winning trip over in Perth, the Maurice gelding was ridden cold by Daniel Stackhouse, parked near the rear while Winnasedge and Zou Sensation rolled along in front. When the field fanned wide, Stackhouse stayed glued to the rail and the favourite launched — putting the race to bed in a matter of strides and cruising home by 2.5 lengths in a performance dripping with class. Now under Andrea Leek, the $1.64 million earner looks primed to climb straight into bigger spring targets, with the PB Lawrence Stakes on August 15 and the Memsie Stakes on August 29 shaping as the next stops for a horse who’s clearly ready to make Melbourne his playground.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Odds & Finishing Order
Stay tuned for the full Bletchingly Stakes 2026 betting markets and links to the final acceptors to be published below once odds are released followed by the official finishing order after the event.
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58.5kg 3112xT: Andrea Leek | ||
| 7. Winnasedge (5) J: Luke Currie 58.5kg x6311T: Nick Ryan | ||
| 2. Recommendation (9) J: Thomas Stockdale 58.5kg 36426T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 9. Samangu (4) J: Michael Dee 56.5kg 48×67T: Grahame Begg | ||
| 3. Zou Sensation (8) J: Jamie Mott 58.5kg 18×50T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin | ||
| 6. Watchme Win (6) J: Lachlan Neindorf 58.5kg 228×5T: Andrew Gluyas | ||
| 8. Miraval Rose (2) J: Jordan Childs 56.5kg 144×4T: Grahame Begg | ||
| 4. Aztec Ruler (3) J: Patrick Moloney 58.5kg 2658xT: Matt Laurie | ||
| 5. Title Fighter (7) J: Luke Cartwright 58.5kg 54090T: Clayton Douglas |
Bletchingly Stakes Tips
Top Bletchingly Stakes tips include looking for runners with a strong record over the distance (1200m), Melbourne runners that run well at the Caulfield track and Black-Type graduates coming off good lead-up winter runs.
Single-figure sprinters and those coming off a top three run make the best bet in Bletchingly Stakes tipping.
Ladbrokes Tip: The Bletchingly Stakes serves as a good lead-up to the PB Lawrence Stakes
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Tips
Our insider tips on the Bletchingly Stakes in 2026 will be published below once the field and form guide are released.
COMPLETE 2026 BLETCHINGLY STAKES PREDICTIONS, TIPS & BEST BETS
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58.5kg 3112xT: Andrea Leek |
| 7. Winnasedge (5) J: Luke Currie 58.5kg x6311T: Nick Ryan |
| 8. Miraval Rose (2) J: Jordan Childs 56.5kg 144×4T: Grahame Begg |
Latest Bletchingly Stakes Race News
The Bletchingly Stakes is the final Group races of the season run on a Saturday in late July at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne Winter Racing Carnival. The weight-for-age sprint is contested over 1200m and offers a total of $200,000 in total prize money.
It is the sole Black-Type race on the Caulfield card at the end-of-season meeting and can serve as either a final run for gallopers coming off a winter campaign or a Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival lead-up for new season hopefuls.
The Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) also run at Caulfield earlier in the month makes a nice lead-up into the Bletchingly Stakes. Rubitano (2002) and Recommendation (2024) are the latest two gallopers to complete the double.
The best horses out of the Bletchingly Stakes may look towards a key spring event like the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) and Scales Of Justice (2019) was the last to do the double.
Bletchingly Stakes Race Info
- Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 3
- Prize Money: $200,000
- First Run: 1994
Bletchingly Stakes Betting
Bletchingly Stakes betting odds are led by proven Caulfield performers and local Melbourne hopes with good form over 1200m – 1400m. The race attracts both end-of-season and resuming spring hopefuls, so any first-up runners with a good record fresh also sit high up the Bletchingly Stakes betting markets.
Looking for in-form winter sprinters rounding out their preps in the Group 3 can also be a good Bletchingly Stakes betting guide. Bletchingly Stakes markets are open following the release of the final field and barrier draw.
Viridine ($2.70 in 2020), Recommendation ($1.40 in 2024), Bridal Waltz ($4.60 equal favourite in 2025) and Cosmic Crusader ($3.60 in 2026) are the latest favourites in Bletchingly Stakes betting to get the job done for the punters.
Bletchingly Stakes Field
The Bletchingly Stakes race field attracts both end-of-season winter runners as well as spring-bound hopefuls kicking off the new season campaigns. Runners have a variety of different races, but the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes has produced a number of recent winners.
A possible next-up run for Bletchingly Stakes graduates is Caulfield’s Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) in mid-August and Shoot Out (2010) was the last runner to complete the Bletchingly – PB Lawrence Stakes double.
The other race many runners back-up in is the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later at Caulfield Racecourse and after saluting for the punters in the Bletchingly Stakes results, Viridine backed up to win the Regal Roller next race in 2020.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Field
The official Bletchingly Stakes 2026 final field of sprinters is announced the Wednesday of race week and will be updated below once confirmed.
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes field attracted a compact but quality line-up of just nine winter sprinters led in betting by resuming Group 1 Northerly Stakes winner Cosmic Crusader.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Cosmic Crusader
J: Daniel Stackhouse
T: Andrea Leek |
33112x | G | 1 | 58.5kg | |
|
2. Recommendation
J: Thomas Stockdale
T: Ciaron Maher |
x36426 | G | 9 | 58.5kg | |
|
3. Zou Sensation
J: Jamie Mott
T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin |
418x50 | G | 8 | 58.5kg | |
|
4. Aztec Ruler
J: Patrick Moloney
T: Matt Laurie |
42658x | G | 3 | 58.5kg | |
|
5. Title Fighter
J: Luke Cartwright
T: Clayton Douglas |
x54090 | G | 7 | 58.5kg | |
|
6. Watchme Win
J: Lachlan Neindorf
T: Andrew Gluyas |
x228x5 | G | 6 | 58.5kg | |
|
7. Winnasedge
J: Luke Currie
T: Nick Ryan |
6x6311 | G | 5 | 58.5kg | |
|
8. Miraval Rose
J: Jordan Childs
T: Grahame Begg |
1144x4 | M | 2 | 56.5kg | |
|
9. Samangu
J: Michael Dee
T: Grahame Begg |
548x67 | M | 4 | 56.5kg |
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Nominations
Early nominations for the Bletchingly Stakes 2026 race at Caulfield close the Monday of race week.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes nominations extended until 10:00am (AEST) – 21/07/2026
Bletchingly Stakes Form Guide
The Bletchingly Stakes form guide, released when final acceptances close on the Wednesday before the race runs that Saturday, details crucial information like the jockeys and barriers as well as the lead-up runs of the sprinters in the field.
The Bletchingly Stakes form has stacked up in future Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival races a number of times in recent years including the PB Lawrence Stakes and the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) back at Caulfield in August.
The 2022 Bletchingly Stakes winner King Of Sparta franked the form winning the Gold Coast’s $1 million Magic Millions Sprint in the summer of 2023. Bletchingly third placegetter Mariamia meanwhile returned in the summer of 2023 and won both the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) and Group 1The Galaxy (1100m).
The 2025 Bletchingly Stakes heroine Bridal Waltz parlayed that winter win into a terrific spring, banking black‑type placings in both the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (2nd) and Group 2 McEwen Stakes (3rd). She was just as sharp when she resurfaced the following autumn, finishing a brave runner‑up in Adelaide’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Form Guide
A link to our complete 2026 Bletchingly Stakes Form Guide will be provided for punters below the week of the race.
FULL 2026 BLETCHINGLY STAKES FORM GUIDE & RACE COMMENTARY
Past Bletchingly Stakes Results
The Bletchingly Stakes race results over the past decade have been dominated by last-start winners and proven Melbourne performers.
Notable recent Bletchingly Stakes winners include Cosmic Crusader (2026), King Of Sparta (2022), Scales Of Justice (2018), Smokin’ Joey (2015), Second Effort (2013), Mid Summer Music (2011), and Apache Cat (2007).
Mid Summer Music (2011) was the last Bletchingly Stakes winning mare.
The filly Bridal Waltz (2025) was the last three-year-old Bletchingly Stakes winner.
You Remember (1995 & 1996) is the sole dual Bletchingly Stakes winner to date.
Apache Cat holds the current 1200m Bletchingly Stakes race record winning in 2007 in a time of 1 minute 09:3 seconds.
Recent Bletchingly Stakes Winners
Recent Bletchingly Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Cosmic Crusader | Winnasedge | Recommendation | 1:10.63 |
| 2025 | Bridal Waltz | Kin | Yellow Sam | 1:11.27 |
| 2024 | Recommendation | Semillion | Marble Nine | 1:12.24 |
| 2023 | Ingratiating | General Beau | It’sourtime | 1:09.5 |
| 2022 | King Of Sparta | Scallopini | Mariamia | 1:10.8 |
| 2021 | Sansom | Streets Of Avalon | Isaurian | 1:11.7 |
| 2020 | Viridine | Streets Of Avalon | Great Again | 1:08.1 |
| 2019 | Scales Of Justice | Jungle Edge | Cliff’s Edge | 1:10.0 |
| 2018 | Vega Magic | Voodoo Lad | Jungle Edge | 1:10.1 |
| 2017 | Ability | Lankan Rupee | Duke of Brunswick | 1:14.2 |
| 2016 | Lord Of The Sky | Fast ‘N’ Rocking | Mahuta | 1:11.6 |
| 2015 | Smokin’ Joey | Platinum Rocker | Petrology | 1:11.2 |
| 2014 | Thiamandi | Gig | Nearest To Pin | 1:10.6 |
| 2013 | Second Effort | Academy Jack | Launay | 1:11.5 |
| 2012 | Ready To Rip | Zamorar | Dusty Star | 1:12.8 |
| 2011 | Mid Summer Music | Rue Maple | Stanzout | 1:11.4 |
| 2010 | Shoot Out | Stanzout | Velocitea | 1:11.7 |
| 2009 | Let Go Thommo | Orange County | Mr Baritone | 1:11.5 |
| 2008 | Commanding Hope | Lucky Diva | Red Arrow | 1:11.2 |
| 2007 | Apache Cat | Haradasun | Honalee | 1:09.3 |
| 2006 | Minson | Red Dazzler | Snort | 1:09.3 |
| 2005 | Regal Roller | Super Elegant | Le Zagaletta | 1:13.7 |
| 2004 | Le Zagaletta | Yell | Elvstoem | 1:14.3 |
| 2003 | Super Elegant | Ruby Slipper | The Big Chill | 1:06.3 |
| 2002 | Rubitano | Ruby Slipper | Dandy Kid | 1:03.7 |
| 2001 | Windigo | Piavonic | Flavour | 1:05.1 |
| 2000 | Dandy Kid | Miss Pennymoney | St. Chrisoph | 1:04.3 |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at ladbrokes.com.au. The process is quick and easy!
Once you've created your account you can make a deposit via credit card, or any other of our secure payment methods. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that's right for you.
Which horse will win the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Bletchingly Stakes is to take into account the form, assess the barriers, and consider the weight the horse will carry (among other factors). Check out ladbrokes.com.au in the lead up to the race for full form information.
When is the Bletchingly Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes is set to run at Caulfield on Saturday the 25th of July as the final Group status race of the Australia racing season as part of the Melbourne winter racing carnival. It is scheduled as Caulfield Race 7 with a jump time of 3:50pm (AEST).
What is the prize money for the Bletchingly Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes prize money is set at $200,000 which is paid from 1st to 8th place including $120,000 going to the Bletchingly Stakes winner.
Where is the Bletchingly Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes will run at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, which is located at Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145.
What distance is the Bletchingly Stakes run over?
The Bletchingly Stakes is run over 1200 metres, a sharp Caulfield sprint trip that traditionally suits horses with early speed, strong winter fitness and proven short‑course form. This distance often produces pressure‑on racing and reliable form lines heading into the early spring.
How many horses run in the Bletchingly Stakes?
Field sizes can vary slightly year‑to‑year, but the Bletchingly Stakes typically attracts a compact field of around 10–14 runners, consistent with Caulfield’s winter sprint profile and the race’s position as the final Group race of the season. This smaller field size often produces cleaner speed maps and reliable form lines for punters analysing Bletchingly Stakes odds and early betting markets.
Who won the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes?
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes was won by five-year-old Maurice gelding Cosmic Crusader first-up at $3.60 favouritism for trainer Andrea Leek with jockey Daniel Stackhouse aboard on 58.5kg from barrier 1 to win by 2.5 lengths on a Soft (6) track in a time of 1:10.63.
Who won the 2025 Bletchingly Stakes?
The 2025 Bletchingly Stakes was won by three-year-old Snitzel filly Bridal Waltz at $4.60 equal favouritism for trainers Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman with jockey Ben Melham aboard on 56kg from barrier 5 to win by 0.35 lengths in a time of 1:11.27 on a Soft (5) track.