The final winter feature in Melbourne arrives this weekend with a deep edition of the Group 3 sprint headlining Saturday’s cracking Caulfield race card, and Ladbrokes have our insider Bletchingly Stakes predictions, tips and best bets right here.
One of the early form pointers for the fast-approaching Spring Racing Carnival, the Bletchingly has been won by a host of topline sprinters including Apache Cat, Smokin’ Joey, Scales Of Justice, King Of Sparta and last year’s heroine Bridal Waltz.
Miraval Rose is high up the markets chasing back-to-back wins for the girls, but she’ll need to topple returning Group 1 star Cosmic Crusader and a compact but competitive pack lurking for value.
Will the punters be in luck sticking with the top fancy or is there value to be found further down the Bletchingly Stakes betting markets this season?
Read on for our full 2026 Bletchingly Stakes tips!
COSMIC CRUSADER (1) sits top of the markets and is firming fast for a winning return and Melbourne debut for his new trainer Andrea Leek.
One of the big winners in the Bletchingly Stakes barrier draw coming up with the inside alley, the five-year-old Maurice gelding was the picture of consistency in WA last prep going from strength-to-strength.
Hit a career peak with a narrow win over the Railway Stakes champ Watch Me Rock in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, and that alone shows why he’s heading plenty of the expert Bletchingly Stakes tips.
Dropped back in distance at his latest on the quick back-up when flashing late to finish a narrow runner-up to class sprinter Rey Magnerio and nudging out Overpass in the Group 3 The Gold Rush.
Races for the first time since on Saturday, and the $1.5 million earner boasts an excellent first-up strike rate (5:3-0-0).
Despite being proven over further, he is two-from-three over the 1200m distance of Saturday’s event, and off the lengthy let-up I don’t think he’ll find the six furlongs too sharp.
Deserves a shot against these here, trialled well in a recent Caulfield jumpout to show he’s not gone backwards in the past seven months, oozes class and gets a very suitable Soft track.
Verdict: Deserving favourite who’ll take some beating. Top 2.
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58.5kg 3112xT: Andrea Leek | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of seven months. Finished off last preparation second of 12 at Ascot in the G3 Gold Rush December 13 over 1400m, a long neck behind Rey Magnerio carrying 59kg at $2.60. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 3.5 len win. Belmont Park Rtg 72+ September 13 over 1400m slow track defeating Shmoov Moova with 57.5kg at $2.10. Class WA galloper who might just be too good. | |||
Plenty of Bletchingly Stakes punter predictions have the airborne WINNASEDGE (5) as the key threat as Nick Ryan’s four-year-old chases a Caulfield hat-trick.
After a nearly year-long spell he resumed at Sandown in May to cross just a length back sixth in a BM78 blanket finish under a heft 62.5kg allocation.
On the improve ever since with a Flemington third down the straight followed by his back-to-back Caulfield 1100m triumphs.
The first on June 27 had him cart 60.5.kg to a tidy win in a BM84 before he rose in grade on July 11 and denied Bellatrix Star victory in the Group 3 Sir John Monash making up ground to salute for the punters.
A decent form line to follow into a similar event now, he’s proven at the 1200m and is the Caulfield track specialist in this field beaten just once from five goes here.
Luke Currie gave him a gem of a ride in the Monash and sticks with in the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes field, will land on speed and looks a genuine shot to do the double completed by Recommendation in 2024.
Verdict: Caulfield specialists will go close to the hat-trick. Each Way.
| 7. Winnasedge (5) J: Luke Currie 58.5kg x6311T: Nick Ryan | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start favourite; came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at this track G3 J Monash July 11 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Bellatrix Star with 58.5kg at $4.40. The run before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len at this track Bm84 June 27 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 60.5kg at $4.40. Won key lead up and is well placed again. | |||
I love the current Bletchingly Stakes odds of $5.50 on offer for Grahame Begg’s bonny mare MIRAVAL ROSE (2) who will jump one outside the favourite second-up with improvement pending.
The five-year-old daughter of Grunt is another well-proven Caulfield performer. Her past two runs at the track produced fourths in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes over the spring last year and then first-up in the Monash.
She went around at double-figures fresh to go down a half-length to Winnasedge and will only improve off that fitter for her return and better suited to the 1200m.
Chasing her first win since last October when she claimed a Group 2 at HQ over 1400m, she has her Rose Of Kingston Stakes winning hoop Jordan Childs coming aboard on Saturday and he knows her well.
She’ll be there when it counts.
Verdict: Second-up improver and value play. Top 3.
| 8. Miraval Rose (2) J: Jordan Childs 56.5kg 144×4T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Second run back. First-up after eight months 4th of 11 at this track in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind Winnasedge carrying 56.5kg at $12. Previously second-up won by 0.5 len at this track Mares-Swp September 20 over 1200m defeating Stretan Angel with 57kg at $9.50. Better for that, go close. | |||
Adding a bit of value and intrigue to our Bletchingly Stakes predictions is our top roughie of the pack, RECOMMENDATION (9), winner of the Monash and this event a couple of years ago.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Shalaa gelding hasn’t been first past the post since August in 2024 when claiming that year’s The Heath, has raced in Hong Kong, ran well for a third in the Monash last year and is out to improve on his fifth to Birdal Waltz in this event 12 months ago when 1.75 lengths beaten.
His form has definitely been hit and miss since, but I thought his Monash performance this season when crossing a midfield sixth in a tight finish was full of merit.
He was taken back the early stages in that key lead-up and still had under a length separating him and the winner.
Depends which version of this bloke we get on Saturday, I can’t see him winning in an upset, but a Top 4 run adding value to some exotics isn’t out of the question.
Verdict: Good type on his day. Right track at the right time. Top 4.
| 2. Recommendation (9) J: Thomas Stockdale 58.5kg 36426T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Last start eased back early on 6th of 11 at this track in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. The run before that 2nd of 12 at Flemington Hcp on June 20 over 1100m, on a slow track; long-neck behind De Bergerac carrying 58kg at $15. Rough hope. | |||
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 2 – No. 1 Cosmic Crusader
- Top 3 – No. 7 Winnasedge
- Top 4 – No. 2 Recommendation
COSMIC CRUSADER (1): Maps perfectly from the inside Bletchingly Stakes barrier draw and brings elite Group 1 credentials to a race lacking proven topliners. His first‑up record is outstanding, his Caulfield jumpout was sharp, and the softer ground only enhances his class edge. If he reproduces anything close to his Northerly Stakes peak, he’s the one they all must beat.
WINNASEDGE (5): Arrives airborne and owns the most reliable Caulfield profile in the field. His Sir John Monash win was full of intent, he’s rock‑hard fit, and his ability to absorb pressure before lifting late makes him a genuine danger again at 1200m. If he lands in the first four, he’ll be in the finish.
RECOMMENDATION (9): The old boy adds a bit of spice to the race and maps to get a soft trail just behind the speed. He’s not the force he was when doing the Monash–Bletchingly double, but his latest run showed he’s still got a punch when the tempo suits. If he lands midfield with cover and the leaders overdo it, he’s the type who can sneak into the finish and boost your exotics at a price.
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58.5kg 3112xT: Andrea Leek | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of seven months. Finished off last preparation second of 12 at Ascot in the G3 Gold Rush December 13 over 1400m, a long neck behind Rey Magnerio carrying 59kg at $2.60. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 3.5 len win. Belmont Park Rtg 72+ September 13 over 1400m slow track defeating Shmoov Moova with 57.5kg at $2.10. Class WA galloper who might just be too good. | |||
| 2. Recommendation (9) J: Thomas Stockdale 58.5kg 36426T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Last start eased back early on 6th of 11 at this track in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. The run before that 2nd of 12 at Flemington Hcp on June 20 over 1100m, on a slow track; long-neck behind De Bergerac carrying 58kg at $15. Rough hope. | |||
| 7. Winnasedge (5) J: Luke Currie 58.5kg x6311T: Nick Ryan | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start favourite; came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at this track G3 J Monash July 11 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Bellatrix Star with 58.5kg at $4.40. The run before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len at this track Bm84 June 27 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 60.5kg at $4.40. Won key lead up and is well placed again. | |||
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Speed Map Snapshot
Cosmic Crusader — Draws the inside alley and should punch through to hold a midfield position. He’s not pure early‑speed, but the gate allows him to settle first half of the pack without burning fuel. Expect him to stalk the leaders and peel off the fence turning for home.
Winnasedge — Maps as the likely on‑pace control. He’s been landing in the first pair at Caulfield and draws to press forward again. Should sit either outside the leader or slot in one‑off just behind the speed. His tactical pace is a major advantage around Caulfield’s tighter turns.
Miraval Rose — Profiles as a midfield‑running swooper. She doesn’t possess the early burn of the top two picks, but she’s strong late and better suited second‑up at 1200m. Expect her to settle 5th–7th with cover before building momentum from the 600m.
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes is shaping as a cracking little winter sprint, and with a few key runners landing perfect maps, punters have plenty to chew over before locking in their Bletchingly Stakes tips and Bletchingly Stakes predictions. Cosmic Crusader gets the dream draw and brings proper Group 1 polish, Winnasedge is flying at Caulfield and won’t give anyone an easy time up front, while Miraval Rose looks the sharp second‑up improver at juicy odds. Factor in the Bletchingly Stakes barrier draw and a Soft‑leaning track, and you’ve got a fast, tactical winter feature with betting angles everywhere you look. Time to dive into the markets and back your selections at the right price through Ladbrokes!
Our full 2026 Bletchingly Stakes Day Preview, Tips & Best Bets for the entire Caulfield card is also available now!
Bletchingly Stakes FAQs
- What is the Bletchingly Stakes? The Bletchingly Stakes is a Group 3 1200m sprint held at Caulfield Racecourse and traditionally acts as Melbourne’s final winter feature before the Spring Racing Carnival ramps up.
- When is the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes? The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday the 25th of July at Caulfield, headlining a strong late‑July race card. It is set to run as Caulfield Race 7 at 3:50pm (AEST).
- What distance is the Bletchingly Stakes run over? The race is run over 1200 metres, favouring sharp, tactical sprinters with proven Caulfield form.
- Where is the Bletchingly Stakes held? The event is staged at Caulfield Racecourse, a track known for rewarding on‑speed runners and horses comfortable around its tighter turns.
- Who won the Bletchingly Stakes last year? Bridal Waltz claimed the 2025 edition, adding her name to a list of elite past winners including Apache Cat, Smokin’ Joey and Scales Of Justice.
- What should punters look for in the Bletchingly Stakes barrier draw? Inside gates are historically advantageous at Caulfield over 1200m, especially for on‑pace runners. Horses drawn wide often need early luck or superior speed to cross and settle.
- Who are the favourites for the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes? Cosmic Crusader heads the market after drawing the inside alley, with Miraval Rose and Winnasedge also prominent in early betting.
- Is the Bletchingly Stakes a key Spring Racing Carnival lead‑up? Yes — the race regularly produces early spring form lines, with many runners progressing to Group races in August, September and beyond.
- What are the best 2026 Bletchingly Stakes tips? Cosmic Crusader is the top pick, Winnasedge profiles as the main danger, and Miraval Rose appeals as the best value play.