The latest edition of the H.D.F. McNeil Stakes took place on Friday, August 28, 2026 on the Memsie Stakes Day card abd was won in a thrilling photo-finish by the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained favourite American Eagle ($3.20F).
The HDF McNeil Stakes is one of the key early‑spring touch‑up races for three‑year‑olds at Caulfield, and Ladbrokes punters are already zeroing in on the latest HDF McNeil Stakes odds and sharp HDF McNeil Stakes betting tips as the new season form starts to surface. This Group 3 sprint regularly unveils serious talent heading towards the big Melbourne features, making it a prime betting opportunity for customers chasing early value, market movers and breakout performers. With fresh youngsters, second‑up improvers and major‑stable runners all converging on the 1200m contest, the HDF McNeil Stakes delivers fast racing, strong turnover and high‑engagement betting conditions — giving Ladbrokes users the perfect springboard into the carnival.
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Results
The official HDF McNeil Stakes 2026 results & finishing order will be published in full right here once the Group 3 race is run and won on Friday, August 28, 2026 as part of the Memsie Stakes Day card in Melbourne.
- #9 American Eagle
- #2 Unit Five
- #6 Seraphox
American Eagle ($3.20F) stamped himself as a major spring player with a tough first‑up victory in the 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes results at Caulfield, the lightly raced Too Darn Hot colt recovering from early greenness and a mid‑race wobble before lifting late under Mark Zahra to nose out Unit Five in a tight finish. A wet‑track debut winner at Sandown before joining Anthony & Sam Freedman, he showed sharp improvement and real determination to score by 0.15 lengths, immediately triggering a surge in Caulfield Guineas betting — firming dramatically from triple‑figure odds into $11 with Ladbrokes. Co‑trainer Sam Freedman praised the colt’s professionalism and upside, noting he has a stack of spring options including the Guineas Prelude, Coolmore Stud Stakes and Golden Rose, with Coolmore odds cut from $34 to $15 and Golden Rose markets tightening from $101 to $26. With clear improvement to come and a profile suited to 1200–1600m, American Eagle’s gritty McNeil win looks the perfect launchpad for a genuine Group 1 campaign.
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Race Replay
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Odds Finishing Order
The season’s top HDF McNeil Stakes 2026 odds and betting market links will be available below as soon as open followed by the official finishing order after the event.
| 9. American Eagle (1) J: Mark Zahra 57kg 1T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | ||
| 2. Unit Five (6) J: Thomas Stockdale 58kg 110xT: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 6. Seraphox (4) J: Ethan Brown 57kg 713xT: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 7. Phillip Island (9) J: Jordan Childs 57kg 8×51T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 5. Confederation (8) J: James McDonald 57kg 28×3T: Chris Waller | ||
| 3. Rich On Bubbles (10) J: Nash Rawiller 58kg 110×5T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 11. Autumn Lover (7) J: Luke Nolen 55kg 534×1T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | ||
| 4. Obambulate (2) J: Craig Williams 57kg 611xT: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | ||
| 10. Aethera (5) J: Damian Lane 55kg 1xT: Danny O’brien | ||
| 1. Seize The Day (3) J: Blake Shinn 59.5kg 311xT: Mark Walker |
HDF McNeil Stakes Tips
HDF McNeil Stakes tips include looking for graduates out of the previous season’s top two-year-old races including the Blue Diamond Stakes held at the same track and distance, proven stakes horses and those with a strong 1200m record.
The colts and geldings also make the best bet in the HDF McNeil Stakes tips as no filly has won the race since Lady Of Harrods (2012).
Ladbrokes Tip: The HDF McNeil Stakes can serve as an early Coolmore Stud Stakes lead-up!
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Predictions & Best Bets
Our Ladbrokes’ insider HDF McNeil Stakes 2026 betting tips and early spring Group race selections will be detailed below the week of the race so bookmark this page for the horses to back and sack in the event.
COMPLETE MEMSIE STAKES DAY 2026 PREVIEW, TIPS & BEST BETS
| 1. Seize The Day (3) J: Blake Shinn 59.5kg 311xT: Mark Walker |
| 2. Unit Five (6) J: Thomas Stockdale 58kg 110xT: Ciaron Maher |
| 3. Rich On Bubbles (10) J: Nash Rawiller 58kg 110×5T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
The H.D.F. McNeil Stakes is run on the opening Group 1 race meeting of the annual Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – Memsie Stakes Day – taking place at Caulfield Racecourse in late August or early September.
The headline race at the meeting is the weight-for-age Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), while the H.D.F. McNeil Stakes is a key support act on the card along with the Group 1 The Heath 1100 Stakes (1100m) for potential The Everest horses and the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m).
The HDF McNeil Stakes is a Group 3 race for three-year-olds run at set weights plus penalties over 1200m. Offering $200,000 in prize money the event serves as a nice early lead-up into some of the tougher three-year-old races of the spring.
The best HDF McNeil Stakes graduates may continue onto Flemington’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) held on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with Merchant Navy (2017) the last to do the double.
First run in 1989 plenty of quality horses have won the race over the years including Danzero (1994), Bel Esprit (2002), Golden Slipper winning filly Miss Finland (2006), Scenic Blast (2007) whose first Group victory was in the HDF McNeil Stakes, subsequent international superstar Starspangledbanner (2009), and Super Seth (2019).
HDF McNeil Stakes Race Info
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Set Weights + Penalties – 3YOs
- Status: Group 3
- Prize Money: $200,000
- First Run: 1989
HDF McNeil Stakes Betting
HDF McNeil Stakes betting is led by quality three-year-olds kicking off their spring campaigns that have a strong first-up record.
Any youngsters that contested tougher grade races over the autumn that are starting out in easier company sit high up the HDF McNeil Stakes betting markets, as do proven Melbourne sprinters and Caulfield performers.
The star juveniles from the previous season may have contested events including the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) and the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m). In 2020 the Blue Diamond winner Tagaloa ran fourth in the Golden Slipper before a first-up third in the HDF McNeil Stakes trifecta that year. The next year returning Blue Diamond winner Artorius ran second fresh in the HDF McNeil Stakes 2021 quinella.
The 2025 McNeil Stakes winner Tycoon Star, 10th in the autumn’s Golden Slipper results that year, won first-up with his last start being a second in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (110m) first-up at the track.
Growing Empire ($2.50 in 2024) and American Eagle ($3.20 in 2026) are the latest HDF McNeil Stakes favourites to win.
HDF McNeil Stakes Field
The HDF McNeil Stakes race field attracts a quality line-up of new-season three-year-olds each year, many of which are having their first spring assignment and first official start since the Horse’s Birthday (August 1).
The best horses out of the HDF McNeil Stakes field will continue on to target tougher races over the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival including the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at a mile in October. Super Seth (2019) was the last horse to complete the HDF McNeil Stakes – Caulfield Guineas double.
More recently the 2021 HDF McNeil Stakes runner-up Artorious franked the form with a third in that year’s Caulfield Guineas. He also ran third in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington that spring.
As a lead-up into that feature runners may also contest the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) and Native Soldier (2018) was the last horse to do the HDF McNeil Stakes – Caulfield Guineas Prelude double.
The H.D.F. McNeil Stakes final acceptances are released on the Wednesday before the race runs on a Saturday and the nominations close that Monday.
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Field
The official HDF McNeil Stakes 2026 field and barriers will be published in full below once final acceptances are taken by Racing Victoria on the Wednesday of race week.
The McNeil Stakes 2026 final field features a smart line-up of 11 three-year-old sprinters led in betting by Mark Walker’s Group 1 winner from across the Tasman, Seize The Day, in his Australian debut.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Seize The Day
J: Blake Shinn
T: Mark Walker |
311x | C | 3 | 59.5kg | |
|
2. Unit Five
J: Thomas Stockdale
T: Ciaron Maher |
110x | C | 6 | 58kg | |
|
3. Rich On Bubbles
J: Nash Rawiller
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
1110x5 | G | 10 | 58kg | |
|
4. Obambulate
J: Craig Williams
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
611x | C | 2 | 57kg | |
|
5. Confederation
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller |
28x3 | C | 8 | 57kg | |
|
6. Seraphox
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher |
713x | C | 4 | 57kg | |
|
7. Phillip Island
J: Jordan Childs
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
8x51 | C | 9 | 57kg | |
| 8. Put To The Sword (10) Scratched: | |||||
|
9. American Eagle
J: Mark Zahra
T: Anthony & Sam Freedman |
1 | C | 1 | 57kg | |
|
10. Aethera
J: Damian Lane
T: Danny O'brien |
1x | F | 5 | 55kg | |
|
11. Autumn Lover
J: Luke Nolen
T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman |
534x1 | F | 7 | 55kg | |
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Nominations
Punters get an early indication of the horses that will line-up in the Group 3 race when the HDF McNeil Stakes 2026 nominations are taken on the Monday leading-up to the race.
HDF McNeil Stakes Form Guide
The HDF McNeil Stakes form guide has all the details you need to know before placing your bets on the Group 3 sprint for three-year-olds. Along with the saddlecloth numbers, trainers, jockeys and barriers the form guide shows the recent lead-up runs of all the runners and their starting price in the markets.
Looking for horses that have previous Group experience, run well fresh and are drawn well are all important things the form guide for the HDF McNeil Stakes will reveal.
The 2021 HDF McNeil Stakes form was franked with the Bruckner backing-up from his win to finish second two starts later in the Coolmore Stud Stakes. The runner-up in the 2021 McNeil Stakes, Artorious, meanwhile was fourth in Sydney’s Golden Rose before thirds in the Caulfield Guineas, Coolmore Stud Stakes, and the 2022 Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (1207m) at Royal Ascot in the UK.
The 2022 HDF McNeil Stakes winner Jacquinot headed to Sydney to take out the Golden Rose Stakes next start before a fifth in that year’s The Everest and a win in the 2023 CF Orr Stakes the following autumn.
The 2023 HDF McNeil Stakes winner, Veight, showcased exceptional talent throughout the season. Following his impressive victory, he secured a runner-up finish in the Caulfield Guineas, solidifying the form out of the Group 3 event. Veight’s progression continued in the autumn of 2024 with a Group 1 Australian Guineas second placing and a subsequent win in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes, demonstrating his versatility against the older horses.
The 2024 McNeil Stakes form was firmly franked by the winner Growing Empire who went on to place in a host of Group 1 spring majors including the Manikato Stakes (2nd), The Everest (3rd) and Coolmore Stud Stakes (3rd).
2026 HDF McNeil Stakes Form Guide
A link to our comprehensive HDF McNeil Stakes 2026 Form Guide will be provided for punters below the week of the race.
Past HDF McNeil Stakes Results
The official HDF McNeil Stakes race results and finishing order are confirmed when the event runs at Caulfield on the first major meeting of the spring in Melbourne.
The results show the HDF McNeil Stakes winner, successful quinella and trifecta as well as the margin and time run to see if any records are broken.
Notable recent HDF McNeil Stakes winners include Danzero (1994), Bel Esprit (2002), Miss Finland (2006), Scenic Blast (2007), Starspangledbanner (2009), Merchant Navy (2017), Super Seth (2019), Bruckner (2021), and Growing Empire (2024).
Lady Of Harrods (2012) was the last HDF McNeil Stakes winning filly.
Golden Archer holds the current HDF McNeil Stakes race record winning in 2011 in a time of 1 minute 09:04 seconds.
Recent HDF McNeil Stakes Winners
Recent HDF McNeil Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to the year 1989 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third | Time |
| 2026 | American Eagle | Unit Five | Seraphox | 1:11.88 |
| 2025 | Tycoon Star | McGaw | Jimmy Recard | 1:10.00 |
| 2024 | Growing Empire | Wonder Boy | Stay Focused | 1:10.38 |
| 2023 | Veight | Legacies | Little Brose | 1:09.4 |
| 2022 | Jacquinot | Aft Cabin | Tijuana | 1:11.9 |
| 2021 | Bruckner | Artorious | Heresy | 1:10.4 |
| 2020 | Immortal Love | Flying Award | Tagaloa | 1:10.8 |
| 2019 | Super Seth | King Of Hastings | Sebrakate | 1:10.9 |
| 2018 | Native Soldier | The August | Seabrook | 1:09.7 |
| 2017 | Merchant Navy | Booker | Muraahib | 1:10.8 |
| 2016 | Defcon | Highland Beat | Wazzeme | 1:11.4 |
| 2015 | Gold Symphony | Ready For Victory | Demonstrate | 1:10.5 |
| 2014 | Chivalry | Nordic Empire | Awesome Rock | 1:10.2 |
| 2013 | Fast ‘n’ Rocking | Prince Harada | Thermal Current | 1:10.8 |
| 2012 | Lady Of Harrods | Kabayan | Shamexpress | 1:10.2 |
| 2011 | Golden Archer | Cross Of Gold | Vatican | 1:09.0 |
| 2010 | Sistine Angel | Servant | Intencion | 1:13.4 |
| 2009 | Starspangledbanner | Tollesprit | Eclair Fastpass | 1:10.2 |
| 2008 | Sugar Babe | Whogotbeyou | Cardinal Virtue | 1:10.4 |
| 2007 | Scenic Blast | Pins On Parade | Marching | 1:10.6 |
| 2006 | Miss Finland | Haradasun | Due Sasco | 1:10.6 |
| 2005 | Danerich | Line Account | Izanami | 1:06.7 |
| 2004 | Tahni Girl | Classiconi | Oratorio | 1:04.1 |
| 2003 | Cahula | Cross Current | Abdullah | 1:05.4 |
| 2002 | Bel Esprit | Yell | Before Too Long | 1:01.9 |
| 2001 | Tully Dane | Raja Lane | King of Prussia | 1:05.6 |
| 2000 | Rapid Man | Little Dozer | Homewrecker | 1:06.1 |
| 1999 | Honour Thy Name | Fappianos Son | Miss Pennymoney | 1:06.1 |
| 1998 | Theatre | Jumalique | Major Fun | 1:03.9 |
| 1997 | La Baraka | Towkay | Guineas | 1:04.1 |
| 1996 | Valourina | Investigation | Checmour | 1:03.9 |
| 1995 | Gold Ace | Sykes | Street Talk | 1:03.6 |
| 1994 | Danzero | Linbird | Hurricane Sky | 1:04.6 |
| 1993 | Sequalo | Lady Jakeo | King Kora | 1:05.2 |
| 1992 | Snippet’s Girl | Simonstad | Forever Intrigue | 1:07.1 |
| 1991 | Tierce | Naturalism | Business Beat | 1:05.6 |
| 1990 | Manitor | The Curragh | Clubman | 1:06.6 |
| 1989 | Goold Old Ted | Street Ruffian | Parotime | 1:06.9 |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at Ladbrokes. 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 HDF McNeil Stakes?
The best way to pick which horse will win the HDF McNeil 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 in the lead up to the race for full form information.
When is the HDF McNeil Stakes 2026?
The 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes is scheduled to run on Saturday August 29 at Caulfield as part of Memsie Stakes Day which kicks off Group 1 racing for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It is scheduled as Caulfield Race 7 at 3:30pm (AEST) taking place one event prior to the Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
What is the prize money for the HDF McNeil Stakes 2026?
The 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes prize money is set at $200,000 which is paid from 1st to 8th place including $120,000 going to the HDF McNeil Stakes winner.
Where is the HDf McNeil Stakes 2026?
The 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes will run at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, which is located at Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145.
What distance is the HDF McNeil run over?
The HDF McNeil Stakes is run over 1200 metres, a sharp early‑spring sprint at Caulfield that gives punters a crucial first look at the new season’s three‑year‑old talent. This distance consistently rewards horses with genuine short‑course speed, strong juvenile form and the ability to handle Caulfield’s tight turns — all key factors when assessing HDF McNeil Stakes odds and shaping confident HDF McNeil Stakes betting plays.
How many horses run in the HDF McNeil Stakes?
The HDF McNeil Stakes generally attracts a field of 12 to 16 runners, typical for a competitive early‑spring three‑year‑old sprint at Caulfield. This field size creates a genuine tempo and plenty of betting opportunities, making it an important race for punters analysing HDF McNeil Stakes odds and shaping confident HDF McNeil Stakes betting plays. Larger fields often mean stronger speed up front, while smaller line‑ups can favour tactical positioning and barrier advantage — all key factors when assessing the race.
Who won the 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes?
The 2026 HDF McNeil Stakes was won first-up by three-year-old Too Darn Hot colt American Eagle at $3.20 favouritism for trainers Anthony & Sam Freedman with jockey Mark Zahra aboard on 57kg from barrier 1 to salute in a photo-finish by 0.15 lengths in a time of 1:11.88 on a Soft (6) track.
Who won the 2025 HDF McNeil Stakes?
The 2025 HDF McNeil Stakes was won by three-year-old Written Tycoon colt Tycoon Star at $4.80 for trainers Ben, Will & JD Hayes with jockey Michael Dee aboard on 58.5kg from barrier 8 to win by 1.75 lengths on a Soft (5) track in a time of 1:10.00.