The opening Group race of the new season in Melbourne lands this weekend with a compact but class field heading down the Flemington straight on Saturday, and Ladbrokes have our expert 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap tips, predictions and best bets right here.
Last weekend we closed out the winter features with the Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield, where we nailed our Same Race Multi which paid close to $10!
Can we repeat the magic at the famous Flemington track this weekend?
Recent history shows the best Aurie’s Star Handicap betting tip is to stick with the well‑fancied runners in the market, with favourites boasting a strong recent strike‑rate in the race. Proven Group 1 performers and horses resuming with a sharp first‑up record in early spring also profile as reliable Aurie’s Star selections.
So, will that be the case on Saturday with Group 1 champ War Machine the resuming favourite?
Or can a sprinter further down the markets post an upset and join the likes of Temple Of Boom, Tiger Tees, Hey Doc, So Si Bon and last year’s hero King Of Roseau on the Aurie’s Star winners’ list?
Read on for our complete 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap tips and Same Race Multi selections!
Race Snapshot
- Status: Group 3
- Distance: 1200m down the Flemington Straight Six
- Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Race Style: Genuine tempo, fair straight‑track set‑up
- Key Profiles: First‑up Group horses, straight‑track specialists, fit winter sprinters
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Best Bets
WAR MACHINE (1) is clear favourite in Aurie’s Star betting this weekend with Lindsay Park’s resuming Group 1 champ looking good for a first-up win on class alone.
He’s winless since last October but that was at this track and trip when dominating the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes under 60kg by two lengths down the famous Straight Six.
Too tested in The Everest and Russell Balding after that and was right down the finishing order in the autumn’s Newmarket Handicap at his latest but will relish coming back to a Group 3 that doesn’t look to have the depth of rivals he’s used to.
Winning trial here on July 24 over fellow Aurie’s Star rival Ndola has him cherry ripe for his return, and he is well proven fresh (6:2-2-2).
Gives the weight away with 60.5kg but deservingly so, his Gilgai winning hoop Blake Shinn is back aboard, and they’ll get options from the inside alley.
Hard to beat at his best.
Verdict: Group 1 winner without too much to beat here fresh. Top 2.
| 1. War Machine (1) J: Blake Shinn 60.5kg 0x30xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 11th of 14 at this track in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 57kg at $13. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at Pakenham in the G2 Aust Stks January 23 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Hedged carrying 58.5kg at $1.30. Class on his day, can lug the weight and win. | |||
NDOLA (4) I mentioned as the rival beaten by Saturday’s top fancy in a recent trial here at HQ, but this stablemate ticks a few boxes to potentially turn the tables come race day.
Also prepared by the Hayes boys, the four-year-old son of Justify oozes consistency and is another who loves straight track racing.
Two-from-two over the six furlongs here, his overall 1200m strike rate is imposing (8:5-1-1) and he boasts the fitness edge coming off a nice all-the-way victory in the Listed Santa Ana Lane Series Final on July 4.
Only just held on that day with 58kg on his back but has been kept ticking over with the aforementioned jump out and could be airborne coming right back to 54.5kg with Jye McNeil continuing associations.
While this is a rise back up in grade, I think he’s earned it.
Racing in Group company for the first time since a midfield ninth in last year’s Australian Guineas over the mile but won’t be stretched distance-wise this time.
Improves second-up, gets the weight relief, and he’s the early Aurie’s Star betting market mover so now is the time to take him if you fancy him.
Verdict: Consistent straight-track specialist who can go close. Each Way.
| 5. Ndola (4) J: Jye Mcneil 54.5kg 213×1T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months won by a head at this track LR Santaanalane July 4 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Lingani with 58kg at $5.50. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 0.8 len at Caulfield Bm84 October 15 over 1440m defeating Keep Your Cool carrying 60kg at $5. Down in the weights and should take beating again. | |||
ROYAL INSIGNIA (5) is the best of the double-figure hopes in the Aurie’s Star Handicap field for mine with the Grahame Begg-trained gelding looking to shake his Flemington hoodoo.
The son of Written Tycoon has had eight runs at the track for just the one placing, but that did come at his latest when narrow runner-up behind Piastri here in a BM88 on July 18.
Sixth the run before at Black-Type level behind Ndola but that was a run that was better than it reads seeing him only 1.6 lengths beaten when sticking on well off an on pace run.
It’s been a long time between drinks with his last victory back in January of 2025 but that was at Group 3 level in the Manfred over Tropicus.
Hitting better form now, drops from 57.5kg to 54kg so is in it weight wise and did catch the eye last start.
Don’t think he’ll be testing them for the trophy, but he does add value to exotics.
Verdict: Improver who impressed last start and can go on with it. Top 4.
Don’t forget to boost your Saturday racing selections with a few of my best roughies of the week – now available.
| 8. Royal Insignia (5) J: Luke Cartwright 54kg x7562T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Most recently 2nd of 14 at this track Bm88 on July 18 over 1200m, slow going long-neck behind Piastri carrying 57.5kg at $8. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 9 at this track in the LR Santaanalane on July 4 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Ndola carrying 54kg at $9.50. Impressed last start. Trending the right way and should take some holding out. | |||
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 2: No. 1 War Machine
- Top 3: No. 5 Ndola
- Top 4: No. 8 Royal Insignia
WAR MACHINE (1) is the class act in this year’s Aurie’s Star and a must‑have Top 2 play. The resuming Group 1 winner smashed the Gilgai down the straight last spring, looked primed in his recent trial over Ndola, and is a proven fresh performer. He cops 60.5kg but deserves it, gets Blake Shinn back, draws perfectly, and simply won’t find the same depth he’s been facing in Group 1/2 company. If he turns up anywhere near his best, he’s in the finish — lock him into your SRM for Top 2.
NDOLA (4) is the clear Each Way danger in the Aurie’s Star and the one most likely to make War Machine sweat. He was nailed by the favourite in a recent Flemington jump‑out but brings the fitness edge, a perfect record at the track and trip, and drops to a luxurious 54.5kg with Jye McNeil sticking. His Santa Ana Lane win was tough, he’s airborne second‑up, and the market’s already warming to him. Straight‑track specialist, big weight relief, in form — he can absolutely land in the finish. Top 3.
ROYAL INSIGNIA (5) is the best blowout and a genuine exotics smokey. He’s been battling a Flemington hoodoo, but his last‑start runner‑up behind Piastri finally showed he’s getting the hang of the straight. His run behind Ndola prior was better than it reads, he drops sharply to 54kg, and he’s hitting form at the right time. He won’t be knocking off the big guns, but he adds serious value to exotics and is the right type to sneak into the finish. Top 4 for mine.
| 1. War Machine (1) J: Blake Shinn 60.5kg 0x30xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 11th of 14 at this track in the G1 Newmarket March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus with 57kg at $13. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at Pakenham in the G2 Aust Stks January 23 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Hedged carrying 58.5kg at $1.30. Class on his day, can lug the weight and win. | |||
| 5. Ndola (4) J: Jye Mcneil 54.5kg 213×1T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months won by a head at this track LR Santaanalane July 4 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Lingani with 58kg at $5.50. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 0.8 len at Caulfield Bm84 October 15 over 1440m defeating Keep Your Cool carrying 60kg at $5. Down in the weights and should take beating again. | |||
| 8. Royal Insignia (5) J: Luke Cartwright 54kg x7562T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Most recently 2nd of 14 at this track Bm88 on July 18 over 1200m, slow going long-neck behind Piastri carrying 57.5kg at $8. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 9 at this track in the LR Santaanalane on July 4 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Ndola carrying 54kg at $9.50. Impressed last start. Trending the right way and should take some holding out. | |||
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap – Speed Map Snapshot
Race Shape Overview
Expect a genuine, rolling tempo down the Flemington Straight Six with a clear leader, a defined chasing pack, and a couple of late swoopers looking to launch if the pressure goes on early.
Likely Leader:
- No. 3 Star Patrol — The one most likely to take up the running. Has the natural gate speed to control the race and ensure a solid tempo from the outset.
On‑Pace / Applying Pressure:
- No. 2 Arkansaw Kid — Sits right behind Star Patrol and keeps the speed honest. A key pace influence who ensures this won’t be a crawl.
Midfield Group (The Stalkers):
These are the runners who map perfectly to blend in behind the speed and strike late:
- No. 1 War Machine
- No. 5 Ndola
- No. 9 Windstorm
This trio shapes as the main winning zone, positioned to pounce if the leader overcooks it.
Off‑Pace / Just Behind Midfield:
- No. 4 Cote Atlantique
- No. 7 Fancify
Both settle a pair further back, looking to build momentum from the 400m.
Off‑Midfield:
- No. 6 Boomtown Boss — Slightly worse than midfield but still within striking distance if the race opens up.
Backmarker (The Late Swooper):
- No. 8 Royal Insignia — Gets back and looks to launch late. Needs a strong tempo to bring his run into play.
Speed Map Verdict
A fair, genuine tempo is expected with Star Patrol leading and Arkansaw Kid keeping him honest. The race sets up beautifully for the midfield trio — War Machine, Ndola, and Windstorm — who get the ideal trail to strike late. If they go too hard early, Royal Insignia becomes the swooper to watch.
What Wins the Aurie’s Star?
- Straight‑track form
- Strong first‑up record
- Sharp July jump‑outs
- Ability to quicken twice down the straight
- Settling in the midfield “sweet spot”
The 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap looks a cracking straight‑track betting race, and the form out of it will shape plenty of early‑spring talk. War Machine brings the Group 1 polish, Ndola is rock‑hard fit and ready to have a real crack, and Royal Insignia is the value swooper who adds spice to exotics. The speed map points to a fair, honest tempo, and it’s the perfect set‑up for those stalking the pace to launch late. Whether you’re building Same Race Multis, chasing exotics, or playing straight‑out win bets, this year’s Aurie’s Star serves up confidence, value, and a proper spring teaser. Bring it on!
Aurie’s Star Handicap Racing Glossary
- Straight Six: Flemington’s iconic 1200m straight course. No turns, pure speed, and a true test of tempo, positioning, and timing.
- Tempo: The early speed of the race. A fast tempo suits swoopers; a slow tempo favours leaders and on‑pace runners.
- Leader: The horse expected to take up the running. In the Aurie’s Star, Star Patrol maps as the likely leader.
- On‑Pace: Horses that sit just behind the leader, applying pressure. Arkansaw Kid fits this profile.
- Midfield: Runners who settle in the middle of the pack, often the prime winning zone down the straight. War Machine, Ndola, and Windstorm map here.
- Off‑Pace: Horses settling slightly worse than midfield, needing clear running lanes late.
- Backmarker: Runners who drop out the back and rely on a hot tempo to finish over the top. Royal Insignia is the key swooper.
- Swooper: A horse that launches late from the rear. Best suited when the leaders go too hard early.
- First‑Up: A horse resuming from a spell. Fresh form is crucial in the Aurie’s Star, with many Group horses kicking off their spring campaigns.
- Jump‑Out: A short, unofficial trial used to tune up horses. Recent jump‑outs for War Machine and Ndola are key form indicators.
- Black‑Type: Stakes races (Listed, Group 3, Group 2, Group 1). The Aurie’s Star is a Group 3.
- Group 1 Class: The highest level of racing. Horses with Group 1 form — like War Machine — often dominate Group 3 races.
- Each Way: A bet to win and place. Ideal for value runners like Ndola.
- Same Race Multi: A Ladbrokes favourite — combine multiple outcomes in one race (e.g., War Machine Top 2 + Ndola Top 3).
- Weight Relief: When a horse drops in weight from its last run. Ndola and Royal Insignia benefit from this.
- Market Mover: A horse whose odds shorten due to betting support. Ndola is the early Aurie’s Star mover.
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Big Bets Tracker
Which horses are the big money Aurie’s Star Handicap bets landing on this weekend? Find out right here!
Aurie’s Star Handicap FAQs
The Aurie’s Star Handicap is a Group 3 sprint run down the Flemington Straight Six, traditionally kicking off the early Melbourne spring features.
The 2026 edition takes place Saturday, August 1 at Flemington. It is scheduled as Flemington Race 7 at 3:50pm (AEST).
The race is run over 1200 metres down the straight.
War Machine is the clear favourite in Ladbrokes’ early markets, resuming as a Group 1 winner with elite straight‑track form.
Ndola is the key Each Way danger with strong 1200m stats, while Royal Insignia is the best value swooper for Top 4.
Straight‑track form, first‑up strike‑rates, and recent jump‑outs are crucial. Horses with proven Flemington 1200m form often outperform the market.
The Aurie’s Star Handicap field limit is 16 starters plus four emergencies, but the 2026 edition drew just nine final acceptors.
The race is run at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, home of Australia’s most famous straight‑track racing and of course the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’ with the Melbourne Cup held here on the first Tuesday of November each year.
Expect a mix of Group‑class sprinters resuming, straight‑track specialists, and fit winter horses stepping up in grade.
Yes — the race is a key spring form guide, with winners often progressing to the Gilgai Stakes, Bobbie Lewis, The Everest, or Group 1 sprints later in the carnival.