Naturalism Stakes 2026 Tips, Predictions & Best Bets

We have Naturalism Stakes tips and predictions for the Group 3 2000m race at Caulfield on Saturday.

Naturalism Stakes odds are out, and it’s a wide-open field for the staying feature, where punters get value odds with every runner.

Best Bet

#11 Deakin

In a race with many leading chances, DEAKIN (1) represents the best value at $9.

The 6YO son of Australia ran well for third behind Kingswood as a $51 chance last start, and we’re not surprised to see shorter odds this time around. He should appreciate having that run under his belt, and he has been sharpened up with a recent trial.

Boasting a good strike rate of five wins from 20 starts, ruling out Deakin would be a mistake, and he could be well-backed on race day. We see him firming close to second favouritism at $5, especially with Lachlan Neindorf riding from barrier 2.

He’ll get a perfect trip in transit throughout, and he’ll be there to strike at the top of the straight.

Caulfield R8 – Tobin Brothers Naturalism Stakes (G3)

Open Race time:

	11. Deakin (1) J: Lachlan Neindorf 55.5kg 8x5x3 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes	7.00WIN 2.45PLACE
Second-up today. Last outing made ground from midfield; 3rd of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 1.2 len behind Kingswood carrying 57.5kg at $51. At only start last preparation 5th of 12 in a G3 The Cummings Stakes at Morphettville on May 9 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Arran Bay carrying 56kg at $8.50. Nice return at big odds, much shorter here.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 19/09/2026 02:34:48 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

Bet Now: Deakin

Next Best

#14 Zahrann

Our Naturalism Stakes predictions include current $2.90 favourite ZAHRANN (6), who has made a good start to his career with three wins and three placings from nine starts.

He’s expected to improve as he gets over more distance, and his fourth behind Kingswood was a good first-up effort. He finished only 1.7 lengths behind the winner, and the 1700m journey didn’t suit him.

He’ll be better over 2000m, and although we would have preferred his opening odds of $4, it’s good to see money come for him. Punters are confident that he’ll come up with the goods, and he could be heading towards a Caulfield Cup run.

Based on that, we’re including him as the favourite, and he should be right around the mark.

Caulfield R8 – Tobin Brothers Naturalism Stakes (G3)

Open Race time:

	14. Zahrann (6) J: Ethan Brown 55kg x53x4 T: Ciaron Maher	2.60WIN 1.40PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months 4th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Kingswood with 57kg at $11. Previously second-up 3rd of 14 in a Bm100 at Flemington on June 6 over 2000m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Ghetto Supastar with 57kg at $4.60. Lovely return and sets up well here.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 19/09/2026 02:34:48 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

Bet Now: Zahrann

Best Roughie

#5 Wootton Verni

A runner we don’t want to leave out of our Naturalism Stakes tips is WOOTTON VERNI (4), who was always going to improve with two runs this campaign.

He didn’t show much at Caulfield in two runs this time in, but he’s a five-time winner over this distance, and he’ll be warming into this race nicely as they approach the home turn.

We believe he’s going under the radar as a distance specialist, and he won his only start at the track and distance. That makes for good reading, and with Craig Williams riding, he’ll get a good passage through the field.

Given the odds available, he can’t be left out as a value runner.

Caulfield R8 – Tobin Brothers Naturalism Stakes (G3)

Open Race time:

	5. Wootton Verni (4) J: Craig Williams 58kg 16×80 T: Chris Waller	15.00WIN 4.00PLACE
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up got back early 8th of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 5.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $61. Last start 10th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Kingswood with 60.5kg at $31. Had excuses last time, the return was good.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 19/09/2026 02:34:48 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

Bet Now: Wootton Verni

Same Race Multi

$16.50 (at time of publish)

Punters get value odds with our Naturalism Stakes SRM, which includes our three selected runners.

Top 2 – No. 11 Deakin
Top 3 – No. 14 Zahrann
Top 6 – No. 5 Wootton Verni

We have Deakin Top 2, Zahrann Top 3, and Wootton Verni Top 6, which pays $16.50 for our three-runner SRM.

There is a lot of value with SRM odds, and we’re taking the $3.50 for Deakin to run Top 2. It’s a good price, and we also love the $2.05 for Wootton Verni to finish in the Top 6, which is a bet punters should include to boost potential payouts.

Caulfield R8 – Tobin Brothers Naturalism Stakes (G3)

Open Race time:

	5. Wootton Verni (4) J: Craig Williams 58kg 16×80 T: Chris Waller	15.00WIN 4.00PLACE
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up got back early 8th of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 5.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $61. Last start 10th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Kingswood with 60.5kg at $31. Had excuses last time, the return was good.
	11. Deakin (1) J: Lachlan Neindorf 55.5kg 8x5x3 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes	7.00WIN 2.45PLACE
Second-up today. Last outing made ground from midfield; 3rd of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 1.2 len behind Kingswood carrying 57.5kg at $51. At only start last preparation 5th of 12 in a G3 The Cummings Stakes at Morphettville on May 9 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Arran Bay carrying 56kg at $8.50. Nice return at big odds, much shorter here.
	14. Zahrann (6) J: Ethan Brown 55kg x53x4 T: Ciaron Maher	2.60WIN 1.40PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months 4th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Kingswood with 57kg at $11. Previously second-up 3rd of 14 in a Bm100 at Flemington on June 6 over 2000m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Ghetto Supastar with 57kg at $4.60. Lovely return and sets up well here.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 19/09/2026 02:34:48 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

Bet Now: Naturalism Stakes SRM

Latest Naturalism Stakes 2026 Odds

Naturalism Stakes 2026 Odds

Caulfield R8 – Tobin Brothers Naturalism Stakes (G3)

Open Race time:

	1. Knight’s Choice (12) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 708×0 T: J G Symons & S Laxon	51.00WIN 9.50PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months 12th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 10 len behind Kingswood carrying 61kg at $101. Previously second-up 10th of 13 in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1800m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Athanatos with 60kg at $71. See again.
	2. Asterix (11) J: Ben Melham 58.5kg 661×5 T: Chris Waller	19.00WIN 4.80PLACE
Second-up. First-up after two months settled back and ran on when 5th of 9 in a So You Think at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m, slow going 3 len behind Evaporate carrying 58.5kg at $51. Previously second-up won by 1.0 len in the LR Gosford Gold Cup on May 9 over 2100m defeating Zaphod carrying 61kg at $11. Nice return and should be thereabouts.
	3. Saint George (17) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 4×411 T: Ciaron Maher	5.00WIN 2.00PLACE
Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently won by 1.3 len in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m on a soft track defeating Litzdeel with 61.5kg at $5.50. The start before that won by 1.3 len in a Bm100 at Flemington on July 18 over 2000m on a soft track defeating Smokin’ Romans with 58.5kg at $4. Flying and gets in quite well, draw the query.
	4. Berkeley Square (16) J: Declan Bates 58kg 16×56 T: Dan O’sullivan	41.00WIN 8.50PLACE
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up from last on the turn 5th of 8 in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Darkbonee carrying 62kg at $41. Last start 6th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 5 len behind Saint George carrying 62kg at $41. Risking from the gate.
	5. Wootton Verni (4) J: Craig Williams 58kg 16×80 T: Chris Waller	15.00WIN 4.00PLACE
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up got back early 8th of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 5.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $61. Last start 10th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Kingswood with 60.5kg at $31. Had excuses last time, the return was good.
	6. Campaldino (14) J: Jordan Childs 57.5kg 172×9 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	15.00WIN 4.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after five months ran last of 9 in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick on September 5 over 1600m, 4 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $71. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.2 len in the LR Randwick City Stakes (Canterbury Cup) on March 7 over 2000m defeating Athabascan with 55kg at $4.40. Can improve up in trip but may need one more.
	7. Onesmoothoperator (9) J: Luke Nolen 57kg 10x9x T: Tim Fitzsimmons	31.00WIN 7.00PLACE
Back after a long spell. Only had one start last campaign ran second last of 10 in the G2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington on February 28 over 1600m, 7 len behind Birdman with 58kg at $26. When resuming last campaign 8th of 20 in the NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE at Newcastle All Weather on June 28 2025 over 3269m, 5.5 len behind Spirit Mixer with 62.5kg at $17. Was runner-up in a jump-out at Caulfield Heath on September 2. Might be better off following this run.
	8. Okita Soushi (7) J: Billy Egan 56kg 0x0x0 T: Ciaron Maher	126.00WIN 18.00PLACE
Having second run back today. Last outing ran last of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 28 len behind Kingswood carrying 58.5kg at $201. At only start last preparation ran last of 10 in a 4yo+ Hcp at Moonee Valley on August 23 2025 over 1523m, 17 len behind Hard To Cross with 61kg at $41. See again.
	9. River Of Stars (13) J: Jye Mcneil 56kg 447×0 T: Chris Waller	71.00WIN 12.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after five months 13th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 14 len behind Kingswood carrying 58kg at $201. Previously second-up 4th of 7 in the G3 Sky High Stakes at Rosehill on March 14 over 2000m, 4.5 len behind Vauban carrying 54kg at $17. See again.
	10. Soulcombe (2) J: Beau Mertens 56kg 372×0 T: Chris Waller	46.00WIN 9.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after three years 14th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 24 len behind Kingswood carrying 59.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 4th of 15 in the G1 Underwood Stakes at this track on September 23 2023 over 1800m, 1.4 len behind Alligator Blood with 59kg at $7.50. See again.
	11. Deakin (1) J: Lachlan Neindorf 55.5kg 8x5x3 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes	7.00WIN 2.45PLACE
Second-up today. Last outing made ground from midfield; 3rd of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 1.2 len behind Kingswood carrying 57.5kg at $51. At only start last preparation 5th of 12 in a G3 The Cummings Stakes at Morphettville on May 9 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Arran Bay carrying 56kg at $8.50. Nice return at big odds, much shorter here.
	12. Strictly Business (3) J: John Allen 55kg 5802x T: Thomas Carberry	41.00WIN 8.50PLACE
Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign second of 16 at Morphettville in the G1 Sa Derby May 2 over 2518m, soft track; a nose behind Wigmore with 54.5kg at $12. First up last campaign fifth of 7 at this track in the G3 Alexandra Stks March 21 over 1600m, 5 len behind Getta Good Feeling with 60kg at $8.50. See this one.
	14. Zahrann (6) J: Ethan Brown 55kg x53x4 T: Ciaron Maher	2.60WIN 1.40PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months 4th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Kingswood with 57kg at $11. Previously second-up 3rd of 14 in a Bm100 at Flemington on June 6 over 2000m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Ghetto Supastar with 57kg at $4.60. Lovely return and sets up well here.
	16. Machine Gun Gracie (10) J: Luke Currie 54kg 10×65 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes	18.00WIN 4.60PLACE
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 8 in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m, slow going 4.5 len behind Darkbonee with 58kg at $6.50. Last start faded in the straight 5th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3.5 len behind Saint George carrying 56.5kg at $15. Fitter again, place claims.
	18. Zakouma (5) J: William Pike 54kg 171×6 T: Grahame Begg	8.50WIN 2.80PLACE
Second run back. First-up after four months 6th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 2.5 len in a Bm70 Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on March 11 over 1800m defeating Pantile Warrior carrying 58.5kg at $2.40. Nice return, on a Cup path but can figure.
	19. Kings Valley (15) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 91×08 T: Ciaron Maher	46.00WIN 9.00PLACE
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming ran second last of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 7 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $151. Second run from a spell ran second last of 9 in a So You Think at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m, on a slow track; 9 len behind Evaporate with 58kg at $81. Risking.
	20. Darkbonee (8) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 3×210 T: Symon Wilde	9.50WIN 3.00PLACE
Most recently 13th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Saint George carrying 54.5kg at $2.45. Before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m on a rain affected track defeating Detonator Jack carrying 53kg at $2.70. Very plain last time but can bounce back.
	13. Valiant King (3) Scratched:
	15. Piggyback (1) Scratched:
	17. Travolta (12) Scratched:

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 19/09/2026 02:34:48 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

Bet Now: 2026 Naturalism Stakes