The next edition of the Behemoth Stakes takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026 as the opening Group race in Adelaide for the new racing season.
The 2026 Behemoth Stakes (formerly the Spring Stakes) shapes as one of Morphettville’s key early‑season features, and Ladbrokes punters are already locking onto the latest Behemoth Stakes odds and expert Behemoth Stakes betting tips for this important 1200m Group 3 race. As a proven launching pad for WFA performers and spring‑bound talent, the Behemoth Stakes consistently delivers sharp market moves, strong provincial‑to‑metro form lines and plenty of value for punters chasing an edge on their spring racing carnival bets. With progressive types on the rise and stable confidence driving early prices, here punters can find the essential Behemoth Stakes betting insights, trends and race predictions needed to make place a confident Behemoth Stakes bet on one of the most influential early‑spring races on the Australian spring racing calendar.
2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Odds
Stay tuned for the full Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) 2026 betting markets and links to the final acceptors to be published below once odds are released.
| 1. Air Assault (8) J: Jason Holder 58.5kg x768xT: Andrew Gluyas | |||
| Resuming after a break of five months. Finished off last preparation eighth of 11 at this track in the LR C S Hayes March 9 over 1600m, 6 len behind Arran Bay with 60kg at $5. When resuming last campaign seventh of 14 at Caulfield in the G3 Carlyon Cup February 7 over 1600m, 1.5 len behind Light Infantry Man with 58kg at $21. | |||
| 2. Lim’s Saltoro (9) J: Noel Callow 58.5kg 5420xT: Dan Meagher | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second last of 12 at Caulfield Bm100 July 12 2025 over 1400m, soft track; 30 len behind Zou Sensation carrying 60kg at $5.50. Previously first up; fifth of 11 at Caulfield Bm100 May 10 2025 over 1400m, 3 len behind War Machine carrying 59kg at $5.50. | |||
| 3. Sir Now (11) J: Connor Murtagh 58.5kg 11232T: Darryl Hewitt | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start set the pace for much of the race 2nd in a small field at this track Hcp on July 25 over 1100m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind Lingani carrying 58kg at $2. The race before that sat on the pace when 3rd of 11 at Caulfield in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 0.6 len behind Winnasedge with 58.5kg at $13. | |||
| 4. Tippa (3) J: Kayla Crowther 58.5kg 1x52xT: Shayne & Chelsea Cahill | |||
| Resuming after a break of 16 months. Finished off last preparation second of 11 at this track in the LR City Adelaide April 12 2025 over 1529m, 1.0 len behind Hellsing with 54kg at $8.50. When resuming last campaign fifth of 13 at this track in the LR Matrice March 29 2025 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Aviatress carrying 56.5kg at $61. | |||
| 5. Great Maximus (7) J: Harry Grace 58.5kg 23336T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | |||
| Dual acceptor. At the latest run 6th of 14 at Flemington Bm88 on July 18 over 1200m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Piastri with 57kg at $12. Before that came from midfield; 3rd of 12 at Caulfield Bm84 on June 27 over 1100m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Winnasedge with 59kg at $18. | |||
| 6. Shady Thinker (5) J: Jackson Murphy 58.5kg x150xT: Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign tenth of 12 at Kembla Grange Cg&E Bm78 November 22 over 1200m, soft track; 5.5 len behind Applaud carrying 57.5kg at $3.40. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 0.5 len this track Bm70 October 18 over 1200m defeating Zunna carrying 59.5kg at $2.30. | |||
| 7. Lingani (10) J: Brooke King 56.5kg 02121T: Peter & Belinda Blanch | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start won by 0.8 len at this track Hcp July 25 over 1100m in soft going defeating Sir Now with 54.5kg at $6. The race before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 9 at Flemington in the LR Santaanalane on July 4 over 1200m, on a slow track; head behind Ndola with 55kg at $17. | |||
| 8. Mating Call (4) J: Tala Hutchinson 56.5kg 4122xT: Dan Clarken & Oopy Macgillivray | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 13 at this track in the LR Centaurea May 9 over 2033m, soft track; a nose behind Private Legacy carrying 55.5kg at $3.60. First up last campaign fourth of 7 at Morphettville Parks 3yo Bm72 March 14 over 1300m, 1.3 len behind Oak Park Maddison with 60kg at $3. | |||
| 9. Vestas (6) J: Todd Pannell 56.5kg 348×8T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Second-up. First-up after eight months from last on the turn ran second last of 9 at Flemington in the LR Santaanalane on July 4 over 1200m, slow going 3 len behind Ndola carrying 54kg at $16. Previously second-up ran on strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 7 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mcewen on October 25 over 1200m, 3 len behind Jigsaw with 56.5kg at $5.50. | |||
| 10. Mystic Wonder (1) J: Teagan Voorham 56.5kg 67132T: Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle | |||
| At the latest run 2nd of 8 at Morphettville Parks Bm76 on July 11 over 1578m, on heavy track; 1.5 len behind Willybeafactor carrying 60kg at $3. The start before that raced on speed throughout when 3rd of 10 at Morphettville Parks Bm78 on June 27 over 1568m, slow going 0.9 len behind Snoopy Now carrying 59kg at $5. | |||
| 11. Swiftie Harriet (13) J: Ben Price 56.5kg 74322T: Travis Doudle | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 10 at Randwick F&M Bm78 on July 11 over 1400m, on a wet track; long-neck behind Aroha Stone with 57kg at $5.50. Before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 12 at Rosehill F&M Bm78 on June 27 over 1400m, on a slow track; head behind Surf’s Up with 56kg at $8.50. | |||
| 12. Cicala (12) J: Rochelle Milnes 56.5kg 51×74T: Will Clarken & Charlotte Sorby | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 7th of 12 at Sandown-Hillside Bm84 on June 13 over 1000m, slow going 6 len behind Bazaball Rewarded carrying 54kg at $3.30. Second-up 4th in a small field at this track Hcp on July 25 over 1100m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Lingani with 54kg at $3.20. | |||
| 13. Zunna (2) J: Will Price 56.5kg x1525T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Last start 5th of 11 at Sandown-Hillside Bm70 on July 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Jenni Multabella carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. The race before that 2nd of 13 at Sandown-Lakeside F&M Bm74 on July 8 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 2.5 len behind Tennessee Bound with 58.5kg at $10. | |||
Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Tips
Top Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) tips include looking for runners with a strong record over the distance (1200m), locally-trained Adelaide runners with a good strike-rate at the Morphettville track and Black-Type graduates coming off good lead-up winter runs.
Backing the male gallopers is another solid Spring Stakes betting tip as Beirut (2016) and See You In Heaven (2023) are the only mares to beat home the boys in the event since 2015, while no filly has been successful since Hartbalm (1977).
Another key Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) tip is to get behind any in-form runner prepared by Leon Macdonald who has won the event five times with Will Fly (1998), Spice Doll (2000), El Maze (2008), Rebel Raider (2010), and most recently Dalasan (2019).
David Jolly meanwhile prepared three straight winners from 2020-22.
Ladbrokes Tip: The Behemoth Stakes (SAJC Spring Stakes) runs in the winter each August and is an important event for returning spring hopefuls.
2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Tips
Our insider tips on the Behemoth Stakes in 2026 will be published below once the field and form guide are released.
The Spring Stakes – now run as the Behemoth Stakes – is a 1200m sprint race contested at Morphettville Racecourse in mid-August each year by the South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) and is not to be confused with the Newcastle Jockey Club’s 3YO Spring Stakes race held in November.
A key lead-up into the bigger and better races of the upcoming Spring Racing Carnivals, the weight-for-age event currently offers $150,000 in prize money.
Contested on the same date as Sydney’s Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m), the SAJC Spring Stakes race was first run in 1970.
Having taken place in September prior to 2006, it is now the opening Group race held in Adelaide for the new racing season.
From 1979–1997 the race held Group 2 status before being demoted to a Group 3 event from 1998 onwards.
A number of nice horses have won the SAJC Spring Stakes over the years including triple champion Redelva (1988-90) who went on to win the following year’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes in Melbourne, and recent two-time winner Behemoth (2020-21) who the race was renamed in honour of in 2023.
Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Race Info
- Current Race Name: Behemoth Stakes (since 2023)
- Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Track: Morphettville Racecourse
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 3
- Prize Money: $150,000
- First Run: 1970
2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Results
The Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) 2026 results and full finishing order of the winter sprint will be published below once the race is run and won on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
- TBD
- TBD
- TBD
Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Betting
Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) betting is traditionally led by resuming spring-bound sprinters proven in tougher grade races.
Any horses that contested previous editions of the event sit high up the Spring Stakes odds each season, as do past Group 1 performers down in grade for their spring campaign kick-offs.
Locally-trained, older runners dominate the markets and have an outstanding recent strike-rate.
Behemoth ($2.50 in 2020 and $1.65 in 2021) followed by See You In Heaven ($2.15 in 2023 and $3.30 in 2024) are the latest favourite in Spring Stakes / Behemoth Stakes betting to win.
2026 Behemoth Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Track the biggest bets placed on this weekend’s Behemoth Stakes right here!
Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Field
The Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) race field attracts both end-of-season winter runners as well as spring-bound hopefuls kicking off the new season campaigns.
The Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) nominations are taken the Monday of race week with final acceptances closing on the Wednesday.
2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Field
The official Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) 2026 final field of sprinters is announced the Wednesday of race week and will be updated below once confirmed.
The 2026 Behemoth Stakes final field features a smart line-up of 13 winter and spring-bound sprinters including the in-form Darryl Hewitt-trained Sir Now who recently ran third in Caulfield’s Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes and the talented Lingani coming off a win at the track.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Air Assault
J: Jason Holder
T: Andrew Gluyas |
8x768x | G | 8 | 58.5kg | |
|
2. Lim's Saltoro
J: Noel Callow
T: Dan Meagher |
x5420x | G | 9 | 58.5kg | |
|
3. Sir Now
J: Connor Murtagh
T: Darryl Hewitt |
211232 | G | 11 | 58.5kg | |
|
4. Tippa
J: Kayla Crowther
T: Shayne & Chelsea Cahill |
11x52x | G | 3 | 58.5kg | |
|
5. Great Maximus
J: Harry Grace
T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly |
423336 | G | 7 | 58.5kg | |
|
6. Shady Thinker
J: Jackson Murphy
T: Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor |
4x150x | G | 5 | 58.5kg | |
|
7. Lingani
J: Brooke King
T: Peter & Belinda Blanch |
502121 | M | 10 | 56.5kg | |
|
8. Mating Call
J: Tala Hutchinson
T: Dan Clarken & Oopy Macgillivray |
44122x | M | 4 | 56.5kg | |
|
9. Vestas
J: Todd Pannell
T: Anthony & Sam Freedman |
x348x8 | M | 6 | 56.5kg | |
|
10. Mystic Wonder
J: Teagan Voorham
T: Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle |
167132 | M | 1 | 56.5kg | |
|
11. Swiftie Harriet
J: Ben Price
T: Travis Doudle |
074322 | M | 13 | 56.5kg | |
|
12. Cicala
J: Rochelle Milnes
T: Will Clarken & Charlotte Sorby |
151x74 | M | 12 | 56.5kg | |
|
13. Zunna
J: Will Price
T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes |
2x1525 | M | 2 | 56.5kg |
2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Nominations
Early nominations for the Behemoth Stakes 2026 race at Morphettville close the Monday of race week.
2026 Behemoth Stakes nominations extended until 10:00am – 04/08/2026
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 81168x768x | AIR ASSAULT | G | 6 | Andrew Gluyas | 97 |
| 2 | x0742658x8 | AZTEC RULER | G | 7 | Matt Laurie | 95 |
| 3 | 1x2003312x | CASH | G | 5 | Michael Hickmott | 78 |
| 4 | 11151×74 | CICALA | M | 5 | Will Clarken & Charlotte Sorby | 75 |
| 5 | x534423336 | GREAT MAXIMUS | G | 6 | Richard & Chantelle Jolly | 87 |
| 6 | 3047×92545 | HOWL | G | 9 | Tracy Cox | 66 |
| 7 | 33259312×9 | KLABEL (NZ) | G | 7 | Richard & Chantelle Jolly | 98 |
| 8 | 1132x5420x | LIM’S SALTORO (NZ) | G | 7 | Dan Meagher | 97 |
| 9 | x657502121 | LINGANI | M | 6 | Peter & Belinda Blanch | 97 |
| 10 | 635x44122x | MATING CALL | M | 4 | Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray | 95 |
| 11 | x052167132 | MYSTIC WONDER | M | 5 | Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle | 80 |
| 12 | 114x150x | SHADY THINKER | G | 5 | Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | 72 |
| 13 | 828×211232 | SIR NOW | G | 5 | Darryl Hewitt | 93 |
| 14 | 10×1074322 | SWIFTIE HARRIET | M | 5 | Travis Doudle | 77 |
| 15 | 333111x52x | TIPPA | G | 6 | Shayne & Chelsea Cahill | 89 |
| 16 | 7x05x348x8 | VESTAS | M | 5 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 84 |
| 17 | 3x012x1525 | ZUNNA | M | 5 | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 70 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) Form Guide
The Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) form guide, released when final acceptances close on the Wednesday before the race runs that Saturday, details crucial information like the jockeys and barriers as well as the lead-up runs of the sprinters in the field.
The Spring Stakes form has stacked up in future interstate Spring Racing Carnival races a number of times in recent years.
In 2018 the SAJC Spring Stakes winner Dollar For Dollar (2018) finished second in that year’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m). He would also continue on to finish third in the next year’s Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in Brisbane.
In 2019, the Spring Stakes winner Dalasan headed to Melbourne next-up and saluted in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington Racecourse. Dalasan was also runner-up in the 2020 Group 1 SA Derby, further franking the form. Scales Of Justice meanwhile improved on his 2019 Spring Stakes second to win Caulfield’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) next start.
The following year the 2020 Spring Stakes winner Behemoth went on to complete the Memsie Stakes – Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes double in Melbourne.
Behemoth also won the 2021 Spring Stakes on protest and continued on to also successfully defend his Memsie Stakes title having earlier run third in that autumn’s then $5 million The All-Star Mile.
2026 Behemoth Stakes Form Guide
A link to our complete 2026 Behemoth Stakes Form Guide will be provided for punters below the week of the race.
COMPLETE 2026 BEHEMOTH STAKES FORM GUIDE & RACE COMMENTARY
Past Spring Stakes / Behemoth Stakes Results
There has been four multiple SAJC Spring Stakes winners throughout history: Samist (1974-75); Redelva (1988-90); Hero Wind (1994, 1995, 1997); and most recently Behemoth (2020-21).
Behemoth (2020 and 2021) was the last horse to complete the Spring Stakes – Memsie Stakes double.
Behemoth won his second title in 2021 on protest after originally being second past the post behind Beau Rossa who was subsequently demoted to runner-up.
Sky Cuddle holds the current 1200m SAJC Sprint Stakes race record winning in a time of 1 minute 9.64 seconds in 2004.
Other noteworthy Spring Stakes winners include: Toltrice (1973), Flavour (2001), Super Elegant (2005), Royal Ida (2006), Rebel Raider (2010), Happy Trails (2012), and Dalasan (2019).
See You In Heaven (2023 & 2024) was the last mare to win when taking out the first official running of the renamed Behemoth Stakes and then defending her title 12 months on.
Recent SAJC Spring Stakes / Behemoth Stakes Winners
Spring Stakes / Behemoth Stakes winners and placegetters dating back to 1970 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Queman | Recommendation | Lingani |
| 2024 | See You In Heaven | My Khalifa | Air Assault |
| 2023 | See You In Heaven | Savatoxl | Manhatten Times |
| 2022 | Calypso Reign | Pindaric | Pimm’s Party |
| 2021 | Behemoth (On Protest) | Beau Rossa | Ritratto |
| 2020 | Behemoth | Dalasan | Kemalpasa |
| 2019 | Dalasan | Scales Of Justice | Waging War |
| 2018 | Dollar For Dollar | Hard Empire | Inn Keeper |
| 2017 | Mio Dio | Lord Aspen | Casino Wizard |
| 2016 | Beirut | Riziz | Rocket Commander |
| 2015 | Red Eclipse | Whitlam | Richie’s Vibe |
| 2014 | Riziz | Light It Up | Karacatis |
| 2013 | Just Discreet | Meliora | Golden Penny |
| 2012 | Happy Trails | Gossip Girl | Southern Speed |
| 2011 | Uxorious | Periduki | Valentine Miss |
| 2010 | Rebel Raider | Xaieta | Likable Will |
| 2009 | Midnight Mustang | Magical Pearl | Cerberus Gal |
| 2008 | El Maze | Sensational Toy | Niconero |
| 2007 | Zupaone | Amyjaye Power | El Maze |
| 2006 | Royal Ida | Shablec | Bruges |
| 2005 | Super Elegant | Fly For Me | Squillani |
| 2004 | Sky Cuddle | Squillani | Zip Zip Aray |
| 2003 | Squillani | Nadema | Lawsons Storm |
| 2002 | Strategic Image | Romilada | Star Hit |
| 2001 | Flavour | Spice Doll | Star Hit |
| 2000 | Spice Doll | Hand Pass | Euclase Pat |
| 1999 | Star Joe | Sports | Lake Villa |
| 1998 | Will Fly | Astralita | Madonna |
| 1997 | Hero Wind | Port Watch | Minegold |
| 1996 | Staaraq | Hero Wind | Buzzoff |
| 1995 | Hero Wind | Blue Boss | Scrupulous |
| 1994 | Hero Wind | Rubique | Subastral |
| 1993 | Colebrook | Rubique | Game Ginty |
| 1992 | Black Rouge | Dark Ksar | Squire Gray |
| 1991 | Beau George | Feeling | Bar Flyer |
| 1990 | Redelva | Dancers Choice | Godemus |
| 1989 | Redelva | Pressmans Choice | Prince Anton |
| 1988 | Redelva | Lockleys Tradition | Eastern Classic |
| 1987 | Change Of Habit | Baptize | French Cotton |
| 1986 | Romantic Red | Lord Galaxy | Wild Rampage |
| 1985 | Trichelle | Belcunda | Arctic Wolf |
| 1984 | Gold Kildare | Copper Rocket | To The Wind |
| 1983 | Belcunda | Galleon | Goldwood |
| 1982 | Oriental Ruler | Harpagus | Pure Of Heart |
| 1981 | Bargambler | Bold Prospect | Ducatoon |
| 1980 | Rumpus Room | Ranger’s Son | Blue And White |
| 1979 | Court Sabre | Atropine | Panamint |
| 1978 | Pelican Point | Bonfield | Double East |
| 1977 | Hartbalm | Raffindale | Tetranate |
| 1976 | Classic Conquest | Silent Gift | How Now |
| 1975 | Samist | Kymwood | Quaffable |
| 1974 | Samist | Storm Duke | Celestial Choice |
| 1973 | Toltrice | Eleazar | Samist |
| 1972 | High Gypsy | Crown | Mikado |
| 1971 | Romantic Son | Eastern Court | Lancelot |
| 1970 | Eastern Court | Eleazar | Tutuila |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes)?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at Ladbrokes. The process is quick and easy!
Once you've created your account you can make a deposit via credit card, or any other of our secure payment methods. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that's right for you.
Which horse will win the 2026 Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes)?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Behemoth Stakes (Spring Stakes) is to take into account the form, assess the barriers, and consider the weight the horse will carry (among other factors). Check out Ladbrokes in the lead up to the race for full form information.
When is the Behemoth Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Behemoth Stakes is set to run on Saturday the 8th of August in Adelaide. It is scheduled as Morphettville Race 7 at 3:37pm (ACST) / 4:07pm (AEST) on Saturday's nine-race Behemoth Stakes Day card.
What is the prize money for the Behemoth Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Behemoth Stakes prize money is set at $150,000 which is paid from 1st to 10th place including $82,000 going to the Behemoth Stakes winner.
Where is the Behemoth Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Behemoth Stakes will run at Morphettville Racecourse in Adelaide, which is located at 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville SA 5043.
What distance is the Behemoth Stakes run over?
The Behemoth Stakes race distance is set at 1200m (six furlongs) which is a typical sprint distance.
Who won the 2025 Behemoth Stakes?
The 2025 Behemoth Stakes was won by seven-year-old Mint Lane gelding Queman at $8.50 for trainers Shane & Cassie Oxlade with jockey Connor Murtagh aboard on 58.5kg from barrier 5 to win by 0.26 lengths on a Soft (6) track in a time of 1:11.61.