Signup to Ladbrokes

Races.com.au Favourite Bookmaker!

SPRNGC

Copy Signup Code

Code for tracking purposes only

Chances are you're about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

The 2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude results produced a standout performance from exciting Kiwi-bred gelding Blind Raise, who announced himself as the horse to beat in this year’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas with a commanding victory at the Caulfield track on Underwood Stakes Day.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained son of Ace High started the $2.40 favourite in the Group 3 $300,000 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) and lived up to the hype, powering away from his rivals under Blake Shinn to score by a dominant 2.75 lengths over outsider Tornado Valley ($19), with the previously undefeated American Eagle ($5) a short head further back in third.

The emphatic success improved Blind Raise’s record to an outstanding four wins from five starts and continued a stellar three-year-old campaign that has already seen him capture the Listed McKenzie Stakes and Listed Anzac Day Stakes.

Shinn Produces Another Big Race Masterclass

Drawn to take up a prominent position, Blind Raise was forced to do some work during the early stages as rivals challenged for the lead. However, the talented colt travelled comfortably throughout before unleashing a devastating turn of foot approaching the home turn.

When the pressure came, Shinn still had a lapful of horse beneath him and the favourite quickly put the race beyond doubt, sprinting clear to record one of the most impressive wins by a 2026 Caulfield Guineas hopeful this spring.

The champion jockey was glowing in his assessment of the colt after the race.

“It definitely was a statement ahead of the Guineas,” Shinn told Racing Victoria.

“He’s an exceptional horse. It didn’t work for him in Queensland during the winter, but he’s come back and he’s just got a real aura about him.

“When they took off early, he just came up underneath me really nicely and won dominantly. He’s pulled up really well and won with plenty in hand, bring on the Guineas.”

Shinn also believes there is still significant improvement to come.

“Mark (Zahra on American Eagle) made him work a little bit early and I had to give him a breather, but he won as he liked in the end and untouched.

“We’ve got three weeks into the Guineas and that’s exciting. I’m really looking forward to the Caulfield Guineas.”

Busuttin Confirms Guineas Mission

Co-trainer Trent Busuttin revealed the stable had noticed a dramatic improvement in the colt since his first-up run and was confident he was peaking at the right time.

“He’s improved a hell of a lot,” Busuttin said.

“He’s such a relaxed, calm horse and first-up he was sweating and up-and-about, but today he was asleep and I knew it was game on.”

Busuttin was particularly pleased with the way Blind Raise absorbed the mid-race pressure before accelerating clear.

“He’s a horse with a good turn of foot. When they whipped around the corner and Blake was still sitting pretty on him, I was pretty happy,” he said.

Importantly for punters, Busuttin confirmed the colt’s path has now been set.

“He will go into the Guineas without another run,” he confirmed.

The victory officially locks in a Group 1 $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) tilt back at the track on October 10, with Blind Raise set to head straight to the Group 1 mile at Caulfield on October 10.

The last horse to complete the Caulfield Guineas Prelude – Caulfield Guineas double was Helmet (2011).

Ladbrokes Installs Blind Raise as Caulfield Guineas Favourite

Bookmakers wasted no time responding to the dominant Prelude triumph.

Following the runaway victory, Ladbrokes slashed Blind Raise’s 2026 Caulfield Guineas odds from $8 into $4, elevating him to outright favouritism for the spring classic.

Given the strength of Saturday’s performance, the move was hardly surprising. The lightly raced galloper showed tactical speed, professionalism and an explosive finishing burst, all key attributes required to win a Caulfield Guineas.

With four wins from five starts, multiple black-type victories already to his name, and a crushing Guineas Prelude success on his resume, Blind Raise has emerged as the benchmark among this season’s three-year-old males. If Saturday’s demolition was any guide, the New Zealand-bred star will take plenty of beating when he returns to Caulfield in three weeks’ time.

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Results