McEwen Stakes Tips & Predictions 2026: Best Bets

SMOOTH CHINO (3) looks like a strong McEwen Stakes bet after finishing second in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes over 1200m at Flemington. The sprinter has placed at his past two starts and appears to be holding his form well, and he only just missed behind a smart one last time out.

His latest effort showed he can compete against quality sprinting opposition, and running over 1200m gives him every chance to win this race. He pushed Skybird close, who is a genuine Group 1 sprinter, and he’ll only improve with that run under his belt.

Barrier 3 is a bit tricky, but he’ll look to get into clear running room and present with 200m to go. If he’s anywhere near his best, the $7.50 odds at time of publish will look good, so put him on top with McEwen Stakes predictions.

SPLASH BACK (2) returns from a spell after finishing last preparation with a victory in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara in Queensland, which was a fine effort.

The Grahame Begg-trained mare has shown versatility over different distances and brings a winning record into this sprint. The main question is whether she will be sharp enough first-up over 1200m against race-fit opposition. Her previous preparation suggests he has the ability, and she doesn’t often need much fitness to show his best.

Jordan Childs takes the ride from barrier 2, but she’s a get-back runner, so she’ll likely sit out the back and look to make headway in the final 200m. Given the double-figure odds, we can’t leave her out as a value pick.

MAZU (8) is an experienced sprinter who could improve in the McEwen Stakes after two runs this preparation. The Joseph Pride-trained gelding has competed at the highest level, including major sprint features, and has the class to be competitive when at his best.

His recent form includes a win followed by a tenth-place finish, so he needs to bounce back, but if the rain comes on race day, as it’s meant to, his winning credentials increase significantly.

Rachel King takes the ride from barrier 8, so he’ll be able to get a good spot in running. That could be key in this race, and if he’s near his best, he could cause an upset.

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

• Top 3 – No. 5 Smooth Chino
• Top 4 – No. 5 Splash Back
• Top 4 – No. 1 Mazu

We have Smooth Chino Top 3, Splash Back Top 4, and Mazu Top 4, which pays $16.50 for our three-runner SRM.

It’s only a small field, so the odds aren’t huge. However, all three runners should be right in the thick of the finish, and the odds are worth taking.