The next edition of the Matriarch Stakes runs on Saturday, November 7, 2026 on Stakes Day at Flemington.
The Matriarch Stakes 2026 has become a popular target for quality mares looking to cap off their spring campaigns with valuable black-type success at Flemington. Run on Champions Day, the race offers a lucrative opportunity for proven middle-distance performers and emerging staying mares to showcase their talent on one of Australian racing’s biggest stages. With $300,000 in prize money on offer and a strong history of attracting Group-class talent, the Matriarch Stakes regularly produces a competitive field and an intriguing betting contest.
For punters, the race presents a fascinating blend of in-form mares coming through a variety of spring form lines, creating plenty of opportunities to find value in the market. The latest Matriarch Stakes odds 2026 will highlight the runners attracting the strongest support, while tracking the Matriarch Stakes betting 2026 markets can provide valuable clues as to which mares are primed to peak on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Whether you’re following the favourites or looking for an each-way play, you’ll find the latest Matriarch Stakes odds, betting updates, form guide, field, tips, and results right here.
2026 Matriarch Stakes Odds
The season’s top Matriarch Stakes 2026 betting odds and Flemington market links to the Stakes Day support act will be available below the week of the race so stay tuned for the top prices on the spring mares followed by the official finishing order after the event.
| 1. Panova (18) 59.5kg2×608 | |||
| At the latest run ran last of 8 in the G2 Craven Plate at Randwick on October 24 over 1800m, 4 len behind Lindermann carrying 56kg at $20. The race before that ran last of 15 in the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 5 len behind Lady Shenandoah with 53kg at $26. Overlook recent runs. Possible improver now with J-Mac on. | |||
| 2. Sunset Park (13) 58kg80239 | |||
| At the latest run 9th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 2.75 len behind Soverato carrying 55.5kg at $11. The race before that held ground to the line 3rd of 12 in the G3 Coongy Cup at Caulfield on October 14 over 2000m, 0.8 len behind Ziryab carrying 54kg at $14. Less suited at weights here, place best. | |||
| 3. Machine Gun Gracie (9) 57kg65406 | |||
| Last start 6th of 13 in the G3 Bendigo Cup on October 28 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind So You Are with 54.5kg at $14. Before that struggled in the run home; 10th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 6 len behind Pinhole with 56kg at $13. Back in trip, not sure how she’s going. | |||
| 4. Soverato (2) 57kg5×731 | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run came from midfield and won by 0.5 len in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m defeating Shockletz with 54kg at $4.80. The run before that 3rd of 17 in a Bm94 at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Unleeshing with 52kg at $71. Nice win last time and will take holding out again. | |||
| 5. Too Darn Discreet (7) 56kgx2388 | |||
| Last start 8th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 2.5 len behind Soverato with 60kg at $4.40. The race before that eased back early on 8th of 15 in the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 3 len behind Lady Shenandoah with 53kg at $26. Gets in very well now and looks set to peak. | |||
| 6. Private Legacy (16) 56kg1×474 | |||
| At the latest run ran on from midfield; 4th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.7 len behind Soverato with 54kg at $31. Before that 7th of 12 in the G3 Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 6 len behind Surfin’ Bird with 57kg at $16. Going well, in the minor mix again. | |||
| 7. Zuleika (5) 56kg01×03 | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming ran second last of 13 in the LR Tattersall’s Members Cup at Eagle Farm on October 10 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Kintyre with 53.5kg at $8. Second-up 3rd of 10 in a Filante at Randwick on October 24 over 1600m, 1.4 len behind Anthracite carrying 52kg at $51. Going okay but this will test. | |||
| 8. Vivy Air (1) 55kgx8035 | |||
| Last start from last on the turn 5th of 8 in the G2 Craven Plate at Randwick on October 24 over 1800m, 2.5 len behind Lindermann carrying 57kg at $15. The race before that made ground from midfield; 3rd of 10 in the G3 Angst Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Unleeshing with 55kg at $3.20. Doesn’t win many but comes through strong races, hard to beat. | |||
| 9. You Wahng (11) 55kg88×04 | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 15th of 17 in a Bm94 at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, slow going 7 len behind Unleeshing carrying 57.5kg at $151. Second run from a spell 4th of 9 in the Big Dance Wild Card at Randwick on October 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 5 len behind It’s A Knockout carrying 55.5kg at $16. Others rate better this time. | |||
| 10. Jenni’s Meadow (10) 55kg6×085 | |||
| At the latest run 5th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.7 len behind Soverato with 54kg at $20. Before that 8th of 12 in the G3 Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 7 len behind Surfin’ Bird carrying 56kg at $41. Good in key lead up, each way hope again. | |||
| 11. Sun Worshipper (4) 55kg88956 | |||
| At the latest run 6th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 1.0 len behind Soverato with 54kg at $151. Before that 5th of 12 in the LR Queensland Cup at Eagle Farm on October 10 over 2400m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Chillaxing with 59kg at $31. Would have to improve. | |||
| 12. Sun Gift (6) 55kgx9276 | |||
| Most recently 7th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 1.5 len behind Soverato carrying 54kg at $26. The run before that 2nd of 11 in a F&M Hcp at Cranbourne on October 9 over 2025m, 1.0 len behind Ocean Bay carrying 59kg at $5.50. In the minor mix. | |||
| 13. Perfect Ten (3) 55kg11×30 | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 3rd of 12 in the G3 Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 5 len behind Surfin’ Bird carrying 56kg at $8.50. Second run from a spell 10th of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 3 len behind Soverato with 54kg at $7. Possible improver with a good map. | |||
| 14. Pillow Fight (8) 55kgx6526 | |||
| At the latest run failed to make an impression; 6th of 11 in the G1 Empire Rose Stakes at this track on October 31 over 1600m, 8 len behind Lady Shenandoah with 56.5kg at $71. Before that gave a sight but was run down late 2nd of 10 in the G3 Angst Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind Unleeshing with 54kg at $14. Easier here but 2000m is a worry. | |||
| 15. Ocean Bay (17) 55kg11213 | |||
| Last start 3rd of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.6 len behind Soverato carrying 54kg at $16. Before that won by 1.0 len in a F&M Hcp at Cranbourne on October 9 over 2025m defeating Sun Gift with 55kg at $4.20. Tricky draw but should be thereabouts. | |||
| 16. Samarelle (15) 55kg0x211 | |||
| Dual acceptor. At the latest run favourite; won by 2 len in a Bm78 at Eagle Farm on October 10 over 1800m on a soft track defeating Mirra Impact carrying 55kg at $1.95. The start before that favourite; ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by 1.0 len in a F&M Bm78 at Warwick Farm on September 23 over 1600m on a soft track defeating Storm Season carrying 57kg at $2.70. Harder now, inclined to risk. | |||
| 17. Classic Gem (12) 55kg4×150 | |||
| Last start ran second last of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 4.5 len behind Soverato carrying 54kg at $11. The start before that 5th of 10 in a Bm80 Grand Hcp at Caulfield on October 10 over 1700m, 2.25 len behind In’kantosstar carrying 59kg at $13. Can improve but needs to. | |||
| 18. Superfabulistic (14) 55kg11×23 | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 7 in a F&M Bm78 at Randwick Kensington on October 7 over 1400m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind Alabama Fox with 59kg at $4.60. Second run from a spell held ground to the line 3rd of 14 in a Bm72 at Warwick Farm on October 21 over 1600m, 0.9 len behind Dubai Warrior carrying 60.5kg at $4. No luck last time but this is tougher. | |||
Matriarch Stakes Tips
Matriarch Stakes tips to take to the bookmakers during the Melbourne Cup Carnival include backing mares with previous winning form over the distance (2000m) and at the Flemington track, looking at runners coming off a top three effort in similar class and the any recent Group 1 performers dropping back in class.
The set weights plus penalties conditions of the race ensure that the classier mares usually reign supreme so favourites make for a good Matriarch Stakes betting tip.
Ladbrokes Tip: Matriarch Stakes winners often go on to win a Group 1 the following autumn
2026 Matriarch Stakes Tips
Our Ladbrokes’ insider Matriarch Stakes 2026 tips and Flemington racing selections will be detailed below the week of the race so stay tuned for the mares to back and sack in the Matriarch Stakes betting markets this spring.
| 8. Vivy Air (1) 55kgx8035 | |||
| Last start from last on the turn 5th of 8 in the G2 Craven Plate at Randwick on October 24 over 1800m, 2.5 len behind Lindermann carrying 57kg at $15. The race before that made ground from midfield; 3rd of 10 in the G3 Angst Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Unleeshing with 55kg at $3.20. Doesn’t win many but comes through strong races, hard to beat. | |||
| 4. Soverato (2) 57kg5×731 | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run came from midfield and won by 0.5 len in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m defeating Shockletz with 54kg at $4.80. The run before that 3rd of 17 in a Bm94 at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Unleeshing with 52kg at $71. Nice win last time and will take holding out again. | |||
| 15. Ocean Bay (17) 55kg11213 | |||
| Last start 3rd of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.6 len behind Soverato carrying 54kg at $16. Before that won by 1.0 len in a F&M Hcp at Cranbourne on October 9 over 2025m defeating Sun Gift with 55kg at $4.20. Tricky draw but should be thereabouts. | |||
The Matriarch Stakes is a Group 2 support race on the VRC Champions Stakes Day – formerly known as Mackinnon Stakes Day – program held on the first Saturday of November at Flemington Racecourse each Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
The fourth and final meeting of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Stakes Day takes place four days after the coveted Melbourne Cup at the same track on the first Tuesday of November every year.
As of 2022, three elite levels headline the program with the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m), the Group 1 VRC Champions Mile (1600m) and the Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint (1200m) for the spring sprinters all currently offering $3 million in prize money.
The Group 3 VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) is the other Group status feature on the card.
The race is the only Group 2 race on the card and offers $300,000 in total prize money. It is a set weights plus penalties event open to mares only and has produced a number of subsequent Group 1 winners in recent years including Lucia Valentina (2015) who won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) – a race now worth $5 million – in Sydney the following April.
Matriarch Stakes Race Facts
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Track: Flemington Racecourse
- Distance: 2000m
- Conditions: 4YO&Up Mares – Set Weights + Penalties
- Status: Group 2
- Prize Money: $300,000
- First Run: 1995
2026 Matriarch Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official Matriarch Stakes 2026 results and finishing order on the Group 2 Champions Day support act at HQ on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
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Matriarch Stakes Betting
While not as popular as the Group 1 odds on offer on Champions Stakes Day, Matriarch Stakes betting still attracts plenty of interest each Cup Carnival and opens the Wednesday before the race when the field of mares is released by Racing Victoria.
Mares that have previous Group 1 spring racing experience often dominate the Matriarch Stakes odds, especially those out of tougher lead-up races like the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) the Saturday before on Derby Day.
Atishu (5th in 2022) and Deny Knowledge (4th in 2023) are the latest Matriarch Stakes winners to come off a lead-up run in the Empire Rose Stakes.
Previous Flemington race experience and proven form over 2000m also has mares kept safe in Matriarch Stakes betting by the bookies each season.
Atishu ($2.50 in 2022), Deny Knowledge ($3.80 in 2023), and Hinged ($4 in 2024) are the latest Matriarch Stakes favourites to salute.
There was a notable upset in 2025 with Sunset Park winning at Matriarch Stakes odds of $17.
2026 Matriarch Stakes Big Bets
Matriarch Stakes Field
The Matriarch Stakes race field attracts a line-up of classy mares every spring, the majority of which are using it as a final chance to secure a Group win for the season before turning out for a spell.
Matriarch Stakes runners come via a number of different lead-up runs. In 2015 Lucia Valentina came off a run in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and won the following autumn’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) in Sydney.
Another more traditional lead-up into the Matriarch Stakes field for mares is the Group 3 Tesio Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day.
The last mare to complete the Tesio Stakes – Matriarch Stakes double was Suavito (2014) who also went on to win the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) the following autumn. In 2017 the Matriarch Stakes winner Savapinski improved on a lead-up second in the Tesio Stakes.
Mares that are not heading to the paddock may back-up in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) a week later at Sandown, a race the 2015 Matriarch Stakes third place-getter Casino Dancer won on the quick back-up. In 2013 the Matriarch Stakes runner-up Queenstown ran third in the Group 2 Sandown Classic (2400m) a week later when the race ran at Caulfield.
Matriarch Stakes nominations close the Monday before Champions Stakes Day runs on the Saturday and the final field and barriers are out on the Wednesday.
2026 Matriarch Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw
The official Matriarch Stakes 2026 Final Field & Barriers are announced on the Wednesday leading-up to Champions Stakes Day and will be published in full below once released so stay tuned to see what mares make the line-up in the lucrative Group 2 showdown.
The Matriarch Stakes 2026 final field features a quality line-up of mares led in betting by the rails-drawn Vivy Air for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup winning trainer Ciaron Maher with the Hellbent six-year-old coming off a close fifth in the Group 3 Craven Plate.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Panova
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller |
12×608 | M | 18 | 59.5kg | |
|
2. Sunset Park
J: Jamie Melham
T: Michael Kent |
x80239 | M | 13 | 58kg | |
|
3. Machine Gun Gracie
J: Blake Shinn
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
x65406 | M | 9 | 57kg | |
|
4. Soverato
J: Damian Lane
T: Chris Waller |
65×731 | M | 2 | 57kg | |
|
5. Too Darn Discreet
J: Mark Zahra
T: Dan O’sullivan |
1×2388 | M | 7 | 56kg | |
|
6. Private Legacy
J: Ben Melham
T: Gregory Hickman |
01×474 | M | 16 | 56kg | |
|
7. Zuleika
J: William Pike
T: Todd Pollard |
801×03 | M | 5 | 56kg | |
|
8. Vivy Air
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher |
0x8035 | M | 1 | 55kg | |
|
9. You Wahng
J: Luke Nolen
T: Kris Lees |
288×04 | M | 11 | 55kg | |
|
10. Jenni’s Meadow
J: Declan Bates
T: Ciaron Maher |
36×085 | M | 10 | 55kg | |
|
11. Sun Worshipper
J: Luke Currie
T: Matt Kropp |
488956 | M | 4 | 55kg | |
|
12. Sun Gift
J: Michael Dee
T: Danny O’brien |
0x9276 | M | 6 | 55kg | |
|
13. Perfect Ten
J: Craig Williams
T: Nikki Burke |
211×30 | M | 3 | 55kg | |
|
14. Pillow Fight
J: Rachel King
T: Bjorn Baker |
2×6526 | M | 8 | 55kg | |
|
15. Ocean Bay
J: Daniel Stackhouse
T: Gavin Bedggood |
111213 | M | 17 | 55kg | |
|
16. Samarelle
J: Jye Mcneil
T: John O’shea & Tom Charlton |
60×211 | M | 15 | 55kg | |
|
17. Classic Gem
J: Billy Egan
T: Dominic Sutton |
44×150 | M | 12 | 55kg | |
|
18. Superfabulistic
J: Jordan Childs
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
211×23 | M | 14 | 55kg |
2026 Matriarch Stakes Nominations
The early Matriarch Stakes 2026 Nominations close on the Monday ahead of the race – Melbourne Cup eve – and will be available below once confirmed by Racing Victoria.
Matriarch Stakes Form Guide
The Matriarch Stakes form guide provides punters with all the crucial information and statistics from the jockeys, trainers and barriers to the track / distance records of all the mares in the field.
In recent years the Matriarch Stakes form has gone on to hold-up in tougher races the following autumn with plenty of winners taking out a Group 1 race in Melbourne early the next year.
The 2022 Matriarch Stakes winner Atishu franked the form the following autumn with a Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) win in Sydney.
The 2023 Matriarch winner, Deny Knowledge, franked the form the next spring with her Group 1 Might And Power win in 2024 at Caulfield.
In 2025, the Matriarch form was franked with the runner-up, She’s A Hustler, winning the Group 2 Zipping Classic at her next start.
2026 Matriarch Stakes Form Guide
A link to the comprehensive Matriarch Stakes 2026 Form Guide will be provided below the week of the race so stay tuned for all the facts / stats you need to place a winning wager on the Matriarch Stakes field this spring.
Past Matriarch Stakes Results
The Matriarch Stakes race results have been a mix between single and double-figure winners over the past decade, but the majority came off a top three run in Melbourne leading up to the Group 2.
Notable recent Matriarch Stakes winners include Atishu (2022), Kenedna (2018), Lucia Valentina (2015), Suavito (2014), and Purple (2009).
Recent Matriarch Stakes Winners
Recent Matriarch Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | 2nd | 3rd | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Sunset Park | She’s A Hustler | Alalcance | 2:05.61 |
| 2024 | Hinged | Sirileo Miss | Lady In Pink | 2:02.44 |
| 2023 | Deny Knowledge | Osmose | Amokura | 2:02.20 |
| 2022 | Atishu | Steinem | Tokorangi | 2:01.15 |
| 2021 | Zayydani | Our Intrigue | Starelle | 2:04.1 |
| 2020 | Affair To Remember | Paradee | Toffee Tongue | 2:03.0 |
| 2019 | Oceanex | Miss Siska | Aristocratic Miss | 2:03.2 |
| 2018 | Kenedna | Miss Siska | Luvaluva | 2:03.8 |
| 2017 | Savapinski | Payroll | Token Of Love | 2:01.5 |
| 2016 | Jessy Belle | Sort After | Happy Hannah | 2:04.7 |
| 2015 | Lucia Valentina | Manageress | Casino Dancer | 2:04.1 |
| 2014 | Suavito | Girl In Flight | Amanpour | 2:01.7 |
| 2013 | Girl Gone Rockin’ | Queenstown | Keep De Rose | 2:04.7 |
| 2012 | Midnight Martini | Lake Sententia | Crafty Irna | 2:03.1 |
| 2011 | Vintedge | Stole | Skyerush | 2:01.2 |
| 2010 | Well Rounded | Purple | Keep The Peace | 2:02.5 |
| 2009 | Purple | Moment in Time | Lady Lynette | 2:00.1 |
| 2008 | Bird of Fire | Tan Tat De Lago | El Daana | 2:05.0 |
| 2007 | Hidden Strings | Sovereign Miss | Danevade | 2:03.9 |
| 2006 | Brom Felinity | Pin Up | Purde | 2:02.1 |
| 2005 | Sutology | Storm Alert | Aqua D Amore | 2:02.1 |
| 2004 | Demerger | Aint Seen Nothin | Full Spec | 2:04.8 |
| 2003 | Sweet Corn | Sylvaner | Mrs Tendulkar | 2:04.4 |
| 2002 | Damaschino | Little Miss Quick | Terrenora | 2:00.6 |
| 2001 | Piper Star | Umaline | Tickle My | 2:01.5 |
| 2000 | Flushed | Nova Clause | Tickle My | 2:02.6 |