2026 Underwood Stakes Field, Barrier Draw & Form

His win at Randwick last start was a good effort, but that came against a different field. He was handed the win in front, and he is likely to be pressured at some point in the Underwood Stakes. He is also 0-2 at Caulfield, so he would need to turn his track form around to justify the odds.

The odds for Buckaroo are worth entertaining, and he doesn’t need to improve many lengths to win this race. He went to the line tamely last start, but we have already seen that form hold up well at the top level, and he runs his best races in the spring. Look for him to settle midfield and close off stylishly.

He’s paying massive odds, and our Underwood Stakes form guide 2026 has no interest in including him in picks. His last four runs have been close to awful, and we don’t know why he’s lining up against such a tough field when he’s trying to get his confidence levels back up.

There is nothing wrong with his form this preparation, including a second placing last start. That was a tidy effort, but it didn’t come at the top level, and although he’s a Group 1 winner, those days might be past him. He’ll have some interest on race day, but the odds are accurate.

The Underwood Stakes final field features Cosmic Crusader, who could have easily been unbeaten this campaign. His first two wins were excellent before being caught a touch wide last start, and he’s good enough to improve on that run. Barrier 3 should see him land in the perfect spot, and with William Pike riding well this season, there aren’t too many negatives with the favourite.

He might be a touch short in the betting, but there is good money coming for him. His run for sixth fresh-up was a tidy effort, and when Chris Waller-trained runners are backed to win, it pays to take note. If he shortens to around $5 on race day, he’s a runner that can’t be left out of Underwood Stakes predictions.

The Ciaron Maher-trained stayer is looking for more distance, and he’ll use this run as a warm-up for races later in the spring. Punters should expect to see him drift to the back of the field before finding the line well.

Kingswood is an interesting runner. His best form comes over this distance, and he hit the ground running this preparation with a big win at Caulfield. That win is tough to get out of our minds, but is he a genuine Group 1 performer? That’s the question, so he’s a risky bet, but the odds are appealing.