Ladbrokes Tip: Mares with previous winning form over the mile at longer Empire Rose Stakes odds make a top tip in the million-dollar showdown!
The next edition of the Empire Rose Stakes runs on Saturday, November 1, 2025 on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington.
2025 Empire Rose Stakes Odds
The season’s updated Empire Rose Stakes 2025 betting odds and Group 1 Victoria Derby Day markets will be provided for punters below as soon as open so stay tuned to lock in your favourite fillies and mares in the mile showdown.
| 1. Pride Of Jenni (7) J: Declan Bates 57kg 10x17T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 6. Leica Lucy (3) J: Mark Zahra 57kg 14x43T: Chris Waller | ||
| 11. On Display (2) J: Ben Melham 57kg 1x103T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 2. Fangirl (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy 57kg 1x416T: Chris Waller | ||
| 7. Lazzura (11) J: Tommy Berry 57kg 4x115T: Chris Waller | ||
| 8. Firestorm (8) J: Adam Hyeronimus 57kg 7x396T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Benagil (4) J: Craig Williams 57kg 103x3T: Glen Thompson | ||
| 9. Splash Back (10) J: Jordan Childs 57kg 52512T: Grahame Begg | ||
| 3. Abounding (1) J: Jamie Melham 57kg x3321T: Robert Heathcote | ||
| 4. Damask Rose (9) J: Blake Shinn 57kg 1x576T: Mark Walker | ||
| 10. Idle Flyer (5) J: Michael Dee 57kg x1121T: Matthew Smith |
Empire Rose Stakes Tips
Empire Rose Stakes tips aren’t always in favour of the top fancy in the markets with so many upset results in recent years.
Mares drawn out wide aren’t shied away from either with every winner from 2011 – 2014 jumping from either barrier 10 or 13, while in 2017 Shoals continued that trend winning from barrier 10 (of 16). Melody Belle (13 in 2019) also overcame a wide barrier draw for her big win, as did Shout The Bar (11 in 2020).
In 2023 Pride Of Jenni won the Empire Rose Stakes from the extreme outside barrier 16 of 16 draw.
The older mares fare well and six-year-olds could be the ones to consider in the Empire Rose Stakes tips with Red Tracer (2013) and Bonaria (2014) going back-to-back for this age group in recent years. Icebath (2022) and Pride Of Jenni (2023) are the latest six-year-old Empire Rose Stakes winners.
That said, two three-year-old fillies won back-to-back in 2016 (I Am A Star) and 2017 (Shoals). The oldest Empire Rose Stakes winner in recent times was Shillelagh (2018) who saluted as a seven-year-old in the Melbourne Cup Carnival feature.
Atishu also won as a seven-year-old from barrier nine in 2024.
2025 Empire Rose Stakes Tips
Our Ladbrokes’ insider Empire Rose Stakes 2025 betting tips and exotic Flemington racing selections will be detailed below a day or two out from the race so bookmark this page for the mares to back and sack.
To Win: No. 6 Leica Lucy
LEICA LUCY (3) shapes as a serious threat to upstage her more fancied stablemate, with the reigning New Zealand Oaks winner bringing strong spring form to the table.
The four-year-old daughter of Derryn flew under the radar when resuming with a slashing fourth in the Let’s Elope at big odds, then backed it up with a barnstorming third in the Toorak behind Transatlantic — a race that’s quickly emerging as a key form reference.
She stormed home from the back at Caulfield, and now from barrier three, she’s poised to settle closer in the run.
With Mark Zahra jumping aboard and the mare clearly thriving on Aussie soil, she looks primed to strike and if Jenni is out to a big lead, I’ll be watching for Leica Lucy to run her down.
|
6. Leica Lucy (3)
J: Mark Zahra 57kg
14×43T: Chris Waller
|
The Empire Rose Stakes is a feature mile race for fillies and mares run at Flemington Racecourse on Victoria Derby Day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in late October or early November each spring. VRC Derby Day kicks off the four-meeting Melbourne Cup Carnival and takes place on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
Three Group 1 features headline the card including the Empire Rose Stakes run over 1600m, and the weight-for-age event is worth just over $1 million in prize money.
The race was once known as the Myer Classic for sponsorship purposes, but is officially registered as the Empire Rose Stakes in honour of top mare Empire Rose, winner of the 1988 Melbourne Cup.
It has held Group 1 status since 2004 and notable winners include Pride Of Jenni (2023), Melody Belle (2019), Red Tracer (2013), Typhoon Tracy (2009), and Divine Madonna (2007).
Empire Rose Stakes Race Info
- Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Track: Flemington Racecourse
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: Fillies & Mares – Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $1 million
- First Run: 1988
2025 Empire Rose Stakes Results
The full Empire Rose Stakes 2025 Results & Finishing Order will be available below once the Group 1 mile race takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Empire Rose Stakes 2025 Race Day Schedule
There are nine races on the Empire Rose Stakes Day card, including the Coolmore Stud Stakes and Victoria Derby.
| Race Name | Number | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 9 Carbine Club Stakes | 1 | 12:20 pm | 1600m |
| The TAB Vanity | 2 | 1:00 pm | 1400m |
| G.H. Mumm Rising Fast Stakes | 3 | 1:40 pm | 1200m |
| HKJC World Pool Wakeful Stakes | 4 | 2:20 pm | 2000m |
| The ABC Bullion Damien Oliver | 5 | 3:00 pm | 1400m |
| Coolmore Stud Stakes | 6 | 3:40 pm | 1200m |
| Howden Victoria Derby | 7 | 4:20 pm | 2500m |
| TAB Empire Rose Stakes | 8 | 5:00 pm | 1600m |
| Kirin Ichiban Sprint | 9 | 5:40 pm | 1100m |
Empire Rose Stakes 2025 Date & Race Time
The 2025 Empire Rose Stakes is set to run as Flemington Race 8 at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Saturday, November 1, 2025 as the penultimate event on the Victoria Derby Day race card and the third of the day’s three Group 1 feature races.
Empire Rose Stakes Prize Money Breakdown
The Empire Rose Stakes 2025 runs for a total prize pool of $1 million, with $600,000 going to the winner. Places are paid down to eighth.
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $600,000 |
| 2nd | $180,000 |
| 3rd | $90,000 |
| 4th | $45,000 |
| 5th | $25,000 |
| 6th-8th | $20,000 |
The Empire Rose Stakes carries a $1 million bonus if the winner has won any of the 12 qualifying races, including the Thousand Guineas, Queen of the Turf, and Edward Manifold Stakes.
Empire Rose Stakes Betting
Empire Rose betting markets are most popular with the punters the week of the race and are usually dominated by fillies and mares coming out of a race like the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield; the latest mares to complete the Tristarc Stakes – Empire Rose double being Red Tracer (2013) and Colette (2021).
The Tristarc also produced Appearance (2012) who improved on a seventh in the Group 2 for an upset at $41 in the Group 1.
Favourites have won a number of times over the past decade including the filly Shoals (2017) and star New Zealand-trained mare Melody Belle (2019) in recent years.
Upsets are also common with plenty of double figure winners including Sacred Choice ($21 in 2010), Hurtle Myrtle ($16 in 2011), Appearance ($41 in 2012), Bonaria ($26 in 2014), Shout The Bar ($21 in 2020), Colette ($13 in 2021), Icebath ($11 in 2022), and Pride Of Jenni ($16 in 2023).
Atishu ($3.60 in 2024) is the last Empire Rose Stakes favourite to salute.
Empire Rose Stakes Field
The Empire Rose Stakes race field has a capacity of 16 starters plus four emergencies and in 2017 was run at capacity with Shoals saluting as a 3YO for the first time since 2014 when Bonaria scored an upset as a 25/1 shot over 15 rivals.
There was a capacity Empire Rose Stakes field again in 2018 when Shillelagh won from barrier nine of 18, improving on her lead-up fourths in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) in Sydney and Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) in Melbourne.
The large fields continued in 2019 with Melody Belle defeating 15 rivals for her 10th Group 1 success, and 2022 when Icebath faced a full field for her maiden Group 1 victory.
The race hasn’t attracted under double figure starters since 2010 when Sacred Choice beat home just eight rivals.
Final Empire Rose Stakes acceptances close on the Wednesday before the race takes place on the Saturday with nominations only taken on that Monday.
Good lead-up races into the Empire Rose Stakes field outside the Tristarc Stakes run on Caulfield Cup Day include the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) the Saturday before over more distance at The Valley and the Toorak.
Mares targeting the Empire Rose Stakes field in Melbourne may also have a lead-up run the Saturday prior in Sydney’s $2 million The Invitation (1400m), a race Icebath ran ninth in before her Group 1 Empire win in 2022.
Following a run in the Empire Rose Stakes field many mares may drop down in grade for a shot at the Group 3 Summoned Stakes on Zipping Classic Day in late November. Missile Mantra (6th in 2020) and Steinem (9th in 2021) are the latest Empire Rose Stakes graduates to go on and win the Summoned Stakes.
2025 Empire Rose Stakes Field
The final Empire Rose 2025 Field & Barriers are set for release on the Wednesday of race week and will be published below so stay tuned to see what female milers make the line-up for the million-dollar feature this Cup Carnival.
The 2025 Empire Rose Stakes field is now out featuring a quality line-up of fillies and mares including four final acceptors for master trainer Chris Waller led by Fangirl in barrier 6 with Kerrin McEvoy to ride.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Pride Of Jenni
J: Declan Bates
T: Ciaron Maher |
910x17 | M | 7 | 57kg | |
|
2. Fangirl
J: Kerrin McEvoy
T: Chris Waller |
21x416 | M | 6 | 57kg | |
|
3. Abounding
J: Jamie Melham
T: Robert Heathcote |
2x3321 | M | 1 | 57kg | |
|
4. Damask Rose
J: Blake Shinn
T: Mark Walker |
11x576 | M | 9 | 57kg | |
|
5. Benagil
J: Craig Williams
T: Glen Thompson |
2103x3 | M | 4 | 57kg | |
|
6. Leica Lucy
J: Mark Zahra
T: Chris Waller |
114x43 | M | 3 | 57kg | |
|
7. Lazzura
J: Tommy Berry
T: Chris Waller |
24x115 | M | 11 | 57kg | |
|
8. Firestorm
J: Adam Hyeronimus
T: Chris Waller |
37x396 | M | 8 | 57kg | |
|
9. Splash Back
J: Jordan Childs
T: Grahame Begg |
152512 | M | 10 | 57kg | |
|
10. Idle Flyer
J: Michael Dee
T: Matthew Smith |
0x1121 | M | 5 | 57kg | |
|
11. On Display
J: Ben Melham
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
41x103 | M | 2 | 57kg |
Empire Rose Stakes Barrier Draw 2025
The 2025 Empire Rose Stakes final field and barriers are announced on Wednesday, October 29. The barrier draw is important for the 1600m race, and bookmakers suspend betting on the morning of the draw.
The final field, draw, and odds are released between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm on the Wednesday prior.
Empire Rose Stakes Barrier Statistics
Drawing wide in the Empire Rose Stakes doesn’t hurt your chances. Barriers 10, 11, and 13 have won the most races, but the inside draws have also had success. Barriers 1, 3, 4, and 6 have won the Empire Rose Stakes twice since 1983, and it sets runners up for a carefree run.
Surprisingly, barriers 7 and 8 have only one recent win. They are typically the best barriers to get in a 1600m race.
2025 Empire Rose Stakes Nominations
The official early Empire Rose Stakes 2025 Nominations are taken the Monday leading up to VRC Derby Day and will be announced below.
The 2025 Empire Rose Stakes nominations are now out featuring 16 classy female gallopers led in all-in betting by Chris Waller’s multiple Group 1 champion Fangirl.
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x0662x3321 | ABOUNDING | M | 5 | Robert Heathcote | 105 |
| 2 | 111x1x111 | AUTUMN GLOW | M | 4 | Chris Waller | 115 |
| 3 | 5x712103x3 | BENAGIL | M | 4 | Glen Thompson | 102 |
| 4 | 3x1611x576 | DAMASK ROSE (NZ) | M | 4 | Mark Walker | 104 |
| 5 | 3x1221x416 | FANGIRL | M | 7 | Chris Waller | 118 |
| 6 | 120x37x396 | FIRESTORM (NZ) | M | 5 | Chris Waller | 102 |
| 7 | 21100×1121 | IDLE FLYER | M | 4 | Matthew Smith | 97 |
| 8 | x43124x115 | LAZZURA | M | 4 | Chris Waller | 108 |
| 9 | 2111114×43 | LEICA LUCY (NZ) | M | 4 | Chris Waller | 105 |
| 10 | 7x2709x030 | MOLLY BLOOM (NZ) | M | 5 | Chris Waller | 97 |
| 11 | x15241x103 | ON DISPLAY | M | 4 | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | 92 |
| 12 | 2×421 | PANOVA | F | 3 | Chris Waller | 72 |
| 13 | 0x446x0546 | PONDALOWIE | M | 5 | Emma-Lee & David Browne | 89 |
| 14 | 80x1910x17 | PRIDE OF JENNI | M | 8 | Ciaron Maher | 118 |
| 15 | 31x7690x06 | REAL CLASS (NZ) | M | 4 | Chris Waller | 83 |
| 16 | 18×1152512 | SPLASH BACK (FR) | M | 6 | Grahame Begg | 104 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Empire Rose Stakes Form Guide
The Empire Rose form guide has all the info you need before you enjoy a punt on the race including saddlecloth numbers, barriers, jockeys and trainers.
Last start winners have a solid record in the race so looking for runners coming off a victory on the Empire Rose Stakes form guide, especially the Tristarc Stakes winner, is important.
Widely drawn mares have dominated the race in recent years, so a wide gate on the Empire Rose Stakes form is also a good indicator of a mare to get behind for the win.
Notably the 2023 Empire Rose Stakes form was franked with the winner, Pride Of Jenni, taking out the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at her next start. She also returned for a big autumn campaign in 2024 that included a victory in the All-Star Mile and a historic 6.5 length romp home in Sydney’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
The 2024 Empire Rose Stakes form was franked the winner, Atishu, running second next-up in the Champions Stakes.
Empire Rose Stakes Form Facts
- From 2011-20 every Empire Rose winner jumped from barrier 10 or wider.
- I Am A Star (2016) was the first filly to win the Empire Rose in over 20 years and Shoals (2017) continued the trend winning as a 3YO the next year.
- The Tristarc Stakes has produced four Empire Rose winners since 2009 including three to do the double.
- The favourite in Empire Rose betting has saluted four times since 2009 with Red Tracer ($3 in 2013), Shoals ($4.80 in 2017), Melody Belle ($3.80 in 2018), and Atishu ($3.60 in 2024).
- 11 other winners in that time (2010-24) jumped at a big price including Appearance ($41 in 2012), Shout The Bar ($21 in 2020), and Pride Of Jenni ($16 in 2023).
2025 Empire Rose Stakes Form Guide
A link to our insider Empire Rose Stakes 2025 Form Guide will be provided for punters below the week of the race.
Empire Rose Stakes Results
Empire Rose Stakes race results and the finishing order of all the fillies and mares in the field are known when the event runs late on the Flemington card on Victoria Derby Day each Melbourne Cup Carnival. As well as the winner you can find out the winning margin and time, full placings and the starting price of every runner plus any scratchings.
Roughie hopes have dominated the Empire Rose results since 2010 with only two single-figure winners from then until 2017 saluting.
Notable recent Empire Rose winners include the fillies Shoals (2017) and I Am A Star (2016), Red Tracer (2013), Typhoon Tracy (2009), and Forensics (2008).
Market Price holds the current Empire Rose Stakes race record winning in 2001 in a time of 1 minute 34:20 seconds.
Past Empire Rose Stakes Winners
Recent Empire Rose Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | 2nd | 3rd | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Atishu | Amelia’s Jewel | Socks Nation | 1:35.93 |
| 2023 | Pride Of Jenni | Atishu | Life Lessons | 1:34.86 |
| 2022 | Icebath | Mirra Vision | Excelida | 1:37.8 |
| 2021 | Colette | Mystic Journey | Hungry Heart | 1:34.8 |
| 2020 | Shout The Bar | Odeum | Forbidden Love | 1:35.3 |
| 2019 | Melody Belle | Aristia | Spanish Reef | 1:37.7 |
| 2018 | Shillelagh | Bring Me Roses | Fundamentalist | 1:34.8 |
| 2017 | Shoals | Eckstein | Dixie Blossoms | 1:35.2 |
| 2016 | I Am A Star | French Emotion | Denmagic | 1:35.5 |
| 2015 | Politeness | Fenway | Azkadellia | 1:37.7 |
| 2014 | Bonaria | Sweet Idea | Catkins | 1:36.5 |
| 2013 | Red Tracer | Catkins | Fire Up Fifi | 1:36.4 |
| 2012 | Appearance | Soft Sand | Secret Admirer | 1:34.9 |
| 2011 | Hurtle Myrtle | Sacred Choice | Dysphonia | 1:37.5 |
| 2010 | Sacred Choice | Typhoon Tracy | Hot Danish | 1:38.9 |
| 2009 | Typhoon Tracy | Lady Lynette | Zarita | 1:35.3 |
| 2008 | Forensics | Absolutely Fabulous | Mimi Lebrock | 1:35.9 |
| 2007 | Divine Madonna | Translate | Red for Lou | 1:36.1 |
| 2006 | Lyrical Bid | Sea Change | Kosi Bay | 1:37.6 |
| 2005 | Lotteria | Miss Potential | Shania Dane | 1:35.4 |
| 2004 | Miss Potential | Alinghi | Infinite Grace | 1:37.5 |
| 2003 | Zanna | Infinite Grace | Mrs Tendulkar | 1:38.4 |
| 2002 | Miss Zoe | Purple Groove | Ramanos Star | 1:35.8 |
| 2001 | Market Price | Pernod | Calm Smytzer | 1:34.2 |
| 2000 | Super Sequel | Its Platonic | Nova Claus | 1:37.8 |
What are the biggest odds an Empire Rose Stakes winner has paid?
There have been some big priced winners of the Empire Rose Stakes. Appearance won in 2012 when paying $41, and since then, there have been three winners paying healthy odds with bookmakers.
Shout the Bar lives up to her name when winning at $31 in 2020. It was a popular win despite the odds, and it kicked off a four-year streak of horses paying double-figure odds to win.
FAQs about the Empire Rose Stakes
When is the Empire Rose Stakes 2025?
The Empire Rose Stakes is run on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 5:00 pm. It’s the eighth race on the card, which is the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Where is the Empire Rose Stakes 2025?
Flemington hosts the Empire Rose Stakes 2025. It’s the most famous racecourse in Melbourne, hosting races such as the Melbourne Cup and Victoria Derby.
What is the prize money for the Empire Rose Stakes 2025?
The Empire Rose Stakes prize money is $1 million, with the winner getting $600,000. It’s not a huge stake compared to other races, but it always attracts the best fillies and mares.
What distance is the Empire Rose Stakes run over?
The Empire Rose Stakes is run over 1600m. It’s one of two one-mile races on Victoria Derby Day.
How many horses run in the Empire Rose Stakes?
The Empire Rose Stakes is limited to 16 runners and four emergencies. It often attracts a full field, with rare exceptions happening over the last 10 years.
Who won the 2024 Empire Rose Stakes?
Atishu won the 2024 Empire Rose Stakes for Chris Waller and James McDonald. The 7YO mare paid $3.70 to win, so she was one of the more well-backed runners.
Who won the 2023 Empire Rose Stakes?
Pride of Jenni won the 2023 Empire Rose Stakes in an upset result at $16. She hadn’t yet become the horse we know her as, so punters let her get out to big odds.
Who won the 2022 Empire Rose Stakes?
Icebath won the 2022 Empire Rose Stakes as an $11 chance. It was an even betting field in 2022, but the win was considered an upset result.
What horse holds the Empire Rose Stakes record time?
Market Price has the Empire Rose Stakes record at 1:34.20. She won in 2001, and her record has stood the test of time.
Which jockey has the most Empire Rose Stakes wins?
Damien Oliver has four wins in the Empire Rose Stakes, with his most recent win coming in 2021 with Colette.
Which trainer has the most Empire Rose Stakes wins?
Chris Waller has three Empire Rose Stakes wins. He trained Atishu, Shillelagh, and Red Tracer to victory.
How can I bet on the Empire Rose Stakes?
Bet on the Empire Rose Stakes with Ladbrokes. It has everything you need to place your Empire Rose Stakes bets, including win, place, exotics, futures, and more.
What is Empire Rose Stakes futures betting?
Empire Rose Stakes futures betting is when punters bet on the race before the final field is released. Futures odds are available in the months leading up to the race, where punters find excellent value.
How do I watch the Empire Rose Stakes live?
You can watch the Empire Rose Stakes live on Ladbrokes. Other options are available, including Racing.com and SkyRacing.
How do I buy Empire Rose Stakes tickets?
Tickets for the Empire Rose Stakes are available at VRC.com.au and with ticket merchant Ticketmaster. Packages are available with tour groups, and it’s best to buy your tickets early.
What is the Empire Rose Stakes dress code?
The Empire Rose Stakes is run on Derby Day, which has a formal dress code. Historically, the colour theme is black and white, but it’s not mandatory.
How do I bet on the 2025 Empire Rose 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.
What horse will win the 2025 Empire Rose Stakes?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Empire Rose 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.