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Group 1 racing for the Melbourne Spring Carnival kicks off at Caulfield on Saturday and Races.com.au have you covered with our expert Memsie Stakes 2026 field preview, tips and best bets as we welcome back some of the best weight-for-age performers of the season.
Won by a host of turf greats over the years, the Group 1 $1 million Memsie Stakes (1400m) serves as a key early season springboard for our leading middle-distance contenders and Cox Plate hopefuls, and this year’s line-up is cracking.
Easing favourite in Memsie Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.com.au is the Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar ($3.80 out to $4.40) who resumes at his pet track looking for his first victory since last November’s CF Orr.
While he was winless over the autumn/winter racing season, the Per Incanto gelding’s form remained strong and at his latest he was a narrow Group 1 Kingsford Smith runner-up in Brisbane beaten a nostril flare by Headley Grange.
Five-from-seven here at Caulfield, and from four runs at the track and trip he’s a triple hero.
Punters may be starting to shy away from him a touch, but he’s got the ability and the 1400m fresh looks ideal.
Has been trialling well in Sydney ahead of his campaign kick-off, and with regular rider Ethan Brown aboard he gets every chance to return to his best.
From 2007 – 2025 eight favourites in Memsie Stakes betting saluted for the punters, with Mr Brightside in 2023 the latest.
Speaking of old Mr B, the Lindsay Park-raced marvel is back donning the No. 1 saddlecloth in this year’s Memsie Stakes field.
Saturday mark’s the evergreen galloper’s fourth straight run in this race after his aforementioned 2023 success followed by back-to-back seconds in 2024 and last year behind runaway champ Treasurethe Moment.
He returns for his 49th career start and once again commands respect as one of Australia’s most durable and decorated WFA performers.
The now nine-year-old boasts an exceptional first-up record and is right at home at Caulfield, where he has produced six wins and five placings from 12 attempts, and he continues to defy age with consistently high-level performances.
His most recent outing in the Champions Mile at HQ came on a Heavy track he didn’t appreciate, but his recent Heath trial — finishing ahead of Giga Kick — suggests he’s returned in excellent order.
Craig Williams reunites with the gelding, and the pair have long formed one of the most reliable partnerships in major races.
With his proven class, strong fresh profile and love of Caulfield, he’s again a genuine factor in the Memsie.
A seasoned Group 1 star who always fires first-up — Mr Brightside remains a major player and is more than capable of producing another big performance at his favourite track paying a generous $11 at time of publish.
The very good mare who had his measure in the race 12 months ago, Treasurethe Moment, also returns looking to become the first back-to-back Memsie Stakes winner since Behemoth (2020-21).
Matt Laurie‘s now five-year-old daughter of Alabama Express resumes in the Memsie and looks set to launch straight into another strong spring campaign.
She signed off her autumn with a brave third in the Queen Of The Turf, and her earlier Caulfield victory in the Sunline Stakes — putting a space on them as a short favourite — underlined just how effective she is around this circuit.
A genuine Caulfield 1400m specialist, she boasts an outstanding record at the course and distance and has never missed the money in six runs here.
Her fresh form is equally reliable, highlighted by last year’s dominant Memsie triumph where she put 2.5 lengths on Mr Brightside.
Even with only steady trial form under her belt, her class at this level is undeniable, and she’s long proven she can fire first-up.
Damian Lane reunites with the mare, and from a forward position she’s expected to make her own luck — exactly the pattern that has worked so well for her in past Group 1 assignments.
She’s being kept safe in the markets at a current quote of $7 Memsie Stakes odds.
The one she’ll be fighting the lead for is the Chris Waller-trained speedster Beiwacht, who is also the early Memsie Stakes market mover heavily supported in from $8 to $6.
The map looks ideal for this Bivouac entire who makes his four-year-old debut off an outstanding campaign last time in which finished with his Group 1 All Aged Stakes win at Randwick.
Two-from-two over the seven furlongs, the only questions are Caulfield, which he sees for the first time, and how he’ll handle the potentially rain-affected going.
A weapon at 1400m having also smashed the Golden Rose Stakes in style as a three-year-old, he looks to have come back even bigger and better following a couple of sharp Warwick Farm trials.
His All Aged winning hoop Nash Rawiller makes the trip to partner him in another promising sign, he looks set to roll forward and could prove very hard to run down.
But wait, we’ve gone past the second favourite with the fitness on his side!
Cosmic Crusader sits steady behind Jimmysstar in the market paying $5 to make it a Caulfield hat-trick this campaign.
He heads into the Memsie third-up and right at the peak of his powers, giving the Andrea Leek-trained gelding a clear fitness advantage over several key rivals.
The Group 1 Northerly Stakes winner in WA has been superb since moving from Perth to Melbourne, producing a dominant Group 3 Bletchingly victory when debuting for his new stable before backing it up with a strong Group 2 PB Lawrence performance.
He surged home from midfield with some of the fastest closing splits of the race in the perfect Memsie trial.
Staying at the same course and distance now, a setup that clearly suits him, the wide draw presents a small challenge, but his current form makes him impossible to overlook.
If Willie Pike can slide him into a handier position early, his late strength will again be a major threat and shapes up as a great each way play.
In a wide-open market a further two runners are also currently under double figure Memsie Stakes odds for the win with the Waller-trained stablemates Angel Capital and Autumn Boy both paying $8.50.
Along with Cosmic Crusader, Angel Capital is the only other Memsie Stakes contender not racing first-up.
He got his spring underway at Randwick on August 8 in the Group 2 Missile Stakes finishing third to Ninja after storming home from the tail, continuing what has been a frustrating run of near misses from the five-year-old Harry Angel entire.
Stretching back to 1400m is exactly what he might have been crying out for, as his record at the shorter trip keeps tripping him up, yet his form around this distance range is far stronger than it looks on paper.
He was luckless in both the Rupert Clarke and All Aged Stakes, finishing far closer than the results suggest, and his return run this prep showed he’s come back in good order.
Second-up last campaign he wasn’t far away in the Newmarket, again hitting the line late over a trip that doesn’t really play to his strengths.
Back out to a more suitable journey now, he finally gets conditions that allow him to build through his gears.
He’s a handful to trust, but the engine is there and this is the right set-up to see it.
Autumn Boy meanwhile was one of last season’s best three-year-olds, but he may need this first run to brush off the cobwebs.
Winner of the Caulfield Guineas over the mile here when improving sharply off his Golden Rose seventh, his record since speaks for itself.
His autumn was enormous and included seconds in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile behind the very good filly Sheza Alibi with a Rosehill Guineas win over 2000m in between those two game 1600m performances.
He gets the flying James McDonald aboard from a good gate three draw but could be a risk needing further as he winds up over the coming weeks.
The 2026 Memsie Stakes is scheduled as Caulfield Race 8 at 4:10pm (AEST) on Saturday’s bumper 10-race card.
Memsie Stakes 2026 Tips & Best Bets
To Win: No. 12 Treasurethe Moment
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12. Treasurethe Moment (6)
J: Damian Lane57kg
x313xT: Matt Laurie
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| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation third of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Idle Flyer carrying 57kg at $3.80. When resuming last campaign third of 8 at this track in the G1 Futurity Stakes February 21 over 1400m, 0.8 len behind Pericles with 57kg at $1.90. Dominant in this last year and maps well. | |||
Each Way Danger: No. 7 Cosmic Crusader
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7. Cosmic Crusader (11)
J: William Pike59kg
12×11T: Andrea Leek
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| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at this track on July 25 over 1200m in soft going defeating Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Second run from a spell favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Private Eye carrying 59kg at $2.50. Very good winner last time, will take plenty of holding out again. | |||
Best Roughie: No. 1 Mr Brightside
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1. Mr Brightside (9)
J: Craig Williams59kg
2125xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
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| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign fifth of 9 at Flemington in the G1 Champ Mile November 8 over 1600m, on rain affected going; 10 len behind Ceolwulf carrying 59kg at $2.90. When resuming last campaign second of 9 at this track in the G1 Memsie August 30 over 1400m, soft track; 2.5 len behind Treasurethe Moment with 59kg at $7. Champion gelding but off the long break and some query on how he’s going. | |||
Memsie Stakes 2026 Same Race Multi
$26 at time of publish through Ladbrokes.com.au (at time of publish)
- Top 2 – No. 12 Lady Shenandoah
- Top 3 – No. 7 Cosmic Crusader
- Top 4 – No. 1 Mr Brightside
Memsie Stakes Odds 2026
| 1. Mr Brightside (9) J: Craig Williams59kg 2125xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign fifth of 9 at Flemington in the G1 Champ Mile November 8 over 1600m, on rain affected going; 10 len behind Ceolwulf carrying 59kg at $2.90. When resuming last campaign second of 9 at this track in the G1 Memsie August 30 over 1400m, soft track; 2.5 len behind Treasurethe Moment with 59kg at $7. Champion gelding but off the long break and some query on how he’s going. | |||
| 2. Jimmysstar (8) J: Ethan Brown59kg 5342xT: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; a nose behind Headley Grange with 59kg at $3.80. When resuming last campaign seventh of 11 at this track in the G1 William Reid March 21 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Jigsaw carrying 58.5kg at $2.15. Love him at this trip, his best just about wins. | |||
| 3. Tom Kitten (1) J: Mark Zahra59kg x117xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of five months. Finished off last preparation seventh of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Aust Cup March 28 over 2000m, soft track; 5 len behind Light Infantry Man carrying 59kg at $6. Previous preparation first-up won by head this track G3 Heffernan February 7 over 1400m defeating Feroce with 59kg at $3. Big win fresh last campaign, might be a bit underrated here. | |||
| 4. Buckaroo (10) J: Jye Mcneil59kg 0x25xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation fifth of 7 at this track in the G2 Peter Young Stk March 14 over 1800m, 6 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $2.25. Previously first up; second of 8 at this track in the G1 Futurity Stakes February 21 over 1400m, 0.8 len behind Pericles carrying 59kg at $31. Will run on well but can’t see him winning. | |||
| 5. Angel Capital (5) J: Ben Melham59kg 326×3T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 7 in the G2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 8 over 1200m, 2 len behind Ninja carrying 57.5kg at $2.20. Previously second-up 3rd of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Caballus carrying 56kg at $12. Much better suited this trip, frustrating but he’s good enough. | |||
| 6. Birdman (4) J: Beau Mertens59kg 1521xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign won by 2.75 len Doomben G1 Doomben Cup May 23 over 2000m defeating Pride Of Jenni carrying 59kg at $3.30. First up last campaign fourth of 8 at Flemington in the LR The Elms Hcp February 14 over 1400m, 0.9 len behind Cafe Millenium carrying 60kg at $13. Had a great last campaign but this is probably too sharp. | |||
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (11) J: William Pike59kg 12×11T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at this track on July 25 over 1200m in soft going defeating Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Second run from a spell favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Private Eye carrying 59kg at $2.50. Very good winner last time, will take plenty of holding out again. | |||
| 8. Sabaj (12) J: Jamie Melham59kg x244xT: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last preparation fourth of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Aust Cup March 28 over 2000m, soft track; 2.5 len behind Light Infantry Man with 59kg at $13. First up last campaign second of 8 at Flemington in the LR The Elms Hcp February 14 over 1400m, 0.5 len behind Cafe Millenium with 57kg at $3.10. Can’t see him figuring from the gate. | |||
| 9. Autumn Boy (3) J: James McDonald58.5kg 3212xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign second of 16 at Randwick in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m, soft track; 4.5 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 52kg at $10. When resuming last campaign third of 7 at Rosehill in the G2 Hobartvlle February 21 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Ninja carrying 56.5kg at $2.90. Talented but fancy he finds a few too sharp. | |||
| 10. Beiwacht (7) J: Nash Rawiller58.5kg 8261xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Is first-up after a break of four-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last campaign by 0.9 len Randwick G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m defeating Lazzura with 56.5kg at $6.50. First up last campaign ran last of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 6 len behind Tentyris carrying 55.5kg at $9. Classy horse who will give a huge sight. | |||
| 11. Planet Red (2) J: Blake Shinn58.5kg x226xT: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation sixth of 12 at this track in the G2 Alister Clark March 21 over 2000m, 5 len behind Roulette King carrying 57kg at $1.75. When resuming last campaign second of 12 at this track in the G2 Autumn Stks February 7 over 1400m, 1.3 len behind Observer with 57kg at $4.40. Has ability but this will test. | |||
| 12. Treasurethe Moment (6) J: Damian Lane57kg x313xT: Matt Laurie | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation third of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Idle Flyer carrying 57kg at $3.80. When resuming last campaign third of 8 at this track in the G1 Futurity Stakes February 21 over 1400m, 0.8 len behind Pericles with 57kg at $1.90. Dominant in this last year and maps well. | |||
