The Memsie Stakes launches Melbourne’s Group 1 weight-for-age season at Caulfield, and punters chasing the best Memsie Stakes bet, updated Memsie Stakes odds, expert Memsie Stakes tips, and detailed insights on all Memsie Stakes horses treat it as one of the most important early-spring form races. Run over 1400m, the Memsie regularly attracts elite WFA stars resuming, sharp triallers, and proven Group 1 performers building toward major spring targets like the Makybe Diva, Underwood and Cox Plate. With class, fitness, tempo and Caulfield’s tactical layout all crucial, the Memsie Stakes provides one of the most reliable early-season guides for punters looking to back the right horse at the right price.

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Memsie Stakes results and finishing order at Caulfield on Saturday August 29, 2026 and see what horse wins the opening Group 1 of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

• 1st: No. 10 Beiwacht ($6)
• 2nd: No. 1 Mr Brightside
• 3rd: No. 7 Cosmic Crusader

Winning Margin: 3 lengths

Winning Time: 1:23.81

Beiwacht ($6) made a powerhouse return to racing in the 2026 Memsie Stakes results, the Chris Waller-trained entire producing a brilliant first-up performance to dominate Caulfield’s opening Group 1 of the spring. Jumping cleanly from gate seven, the four-year-old controlled the race from the outset and was never headed, surging clear in the straight to put three lengths on the evergreen Mr Brightside, with Cosmic Crusader finishing a further margin back in third. A proven 1400m specialist, Beiwacht extended his elite level record after earlier Group 1 wins in the Golden Rose and All Aged Stakes, with Waller praising both the horse’s maturity and Nash Rawiller’s perfectly judged ride. Rawiller described the victory as a “dream come true”, noting the colt had gone to a new level this campaign. Waller confirmed Flemington’s straight won’t feature in his spring plans after the Lightning Stakes flop but flagged international options, while domestic targets include the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the Golden Eagle. Futures markets reacted immediately, with Beiwacht tightening from $15 to $7 for the Sir Rupert Clarke and sitting at $11 in early Golden Eagle betting.

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Memsie Stakes Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Memsie Stakes 2026 Tips on the Caulfield Group 1 this season.

To Win: No. 12 Treasurethe Moment

TREASURETHE MOMENT (6) resumes in the Memsie and looks set to launch straight into another strong spring campaign. The Matt Laurie-trained mare 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 track and trip 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.

Each Way Danger: No. 7 Cosmic Crusader

COSMIC CRUSADER (11) 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 Northerly Stakes winner has been superb since moving to Melbourne, producing a dominant Bletchingly victory before backing it up with a strong PB Lawrence performance, surging home from midfield with some of the fastest closing splits of the race. He stays at the same Caulfield 1400m course and distance, a setup that clearly suits him, and while the wide draw presents a small challenge, 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 weapon. A race-fit Group 1 winner in top form — shapes as one of the major dangers and is capable of launching late if he lands in the right spot.

Best Roughie: No. 1 Mr Brightside

MR BRIGHTSIDE (9) returns for his 49th career start and once again commands respect as one of Australia’s most durable and decorated weight-for-age performers. The 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 — including his Memsie triumph back in 2023. He’s been runner-up in the past two editions of this race and continues to defy age with consistently high-level performances. His most recent outing in the Champions Mile came on a heavy track he didn’t appreciate, but his recent Heath trial — finishing alongside 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.

Memsie Stakes News

2026 Memsie Stakes Results: Beiwacht Beats Mr B By Three Lengths

• Memsie Stakes 2026 Field Preview, Tips & Best Bets
• Treasurethe Moment Heads 2025 Feehan Stakes Field & Betting
• 2025 Memsie Stakes Winner is Treasurethe Moment Fresh Over Mr Brightside
• Group 1 Memsie Stakes Odds Update, Late Mail & Tips: Zardozi Scratched
• 2025 Memsie Stakes Field & Odds Update: Fangirl Resumes

The 1400m event is held as the first Group 1 of the new racing season and is a great lead up race to the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) run a fortnight later over the mile at Flemington.

Dissident (2014) followed by Mr Brightside (2023) nearly a decade later are the latest horses to complete the Memsie Stakes – Makybe Diva Stakes double.

Raced on the same day as the Group 3 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200m), the Group 3 The Heath 1100 Stakes (1100m) and the Group 3 W.W. Cockram Stakes (1200m), the Memsie Stakes has produced some outstanding Cox Plate winners including El Segundo (2006), Makybe Diva (2005), Sunline (2001-01), and Dane Ripper (1998).

The Memsie Stakes is now the first Group 1 race of the racing year after it was elevated from Group 2 status for the 2013/2014 season.

The form out of the 2021 Memsie Stakes was franked with the third-placed mare Tofane going on to place in a host of other Group 1 events and win the following autumn’s Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at the same track/distance.

The 2022 Memsie Stakes form was franked with the runner-up I’m Thunderstruck winning the Makybe Diva next start before a number of other Group 1 placings including a second in that year’s Ladbrokes Cox Plate. Sadly I’m Thunderstruck would go on to be euthanised in March of 2023 following arthroscopic fetlock surgery. He suffered a catastrophic knee injury whilst getting up after general anaesthetic.

In 2023 after completing the Memsie Stakes – Makybe Diva double, Mr Brightside went on to further frank the form with a host of other Group 1 placings including in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes (2nd), Cox Plate (2nd) and Cantala Stakes (2nd). He returned in the autumn of 2024 to win the CF Orr – Futurity Stakes double before a second in that year’s All-Star Mile.

Mr Brightside returned as the favourite in 2024 looking to go back-to-back but could only manage to finish a first-up second to upset winner Pinstriped ($14).

The 2024 Memsie Stakes form was franked with the runner-up Mr Brightside, who had won the year prior, taking out the Makybe Diva Stakes at his next start.

Mr Brightside contested the race again in 2025 when running a brave but distant second behind the brilliant Treasurethe Moment who made it nine straight wins with her impressive first-up win as a four-year-old. He franked the form however with his third straight Makybe Diva Stakes victory next start.

The 2025 Memsie Stakes winner Treasurethe Moment would continue on to run top three in a host more Group 1 events including that spring’s Might And Power (2nd) and Cox Plate (3rd). The 2025 third placed Buckaroo meanwhile also performed well in plenty of subsequent runs that season including placings in the Underwood Stakes (2nd), Might And Power (3rd) and Cox Plate (2nd).

Lindsay Park’s warhorse Mr Brightside contested the Memsie Stakes for the fourth year running when making his nine-year-old debut in 2026 to finish a gallant but distant third behind all-the-way winner Beiwacht.

2026 Memsie Stakes Betting

The season’s Memsie Stakes 2026 betting odds and betting market links to Ladbrokes will be available at Races.com.au as soon as released this spring carnival.

Mr Brightside ($2.70 in 2023) was the last favourite in Memsie Stakes betting to salute for the punters.

There was a notable upset in 2024 with Pinstriped saluting at Memsie Stakes odds of $14 over the beaten $2.50 favourite Mr Brightside who ran second in a failed title defence.

Memsie Stakes Field

2026 Memsie Stakes Form

The Memsie Stakes form guide is your early-spring blueprint for understanding which Group 1 WFA horses are forward enough to win first-up, which trial stars are ready to explode fresh, and how each runner maps around Caulfield’s 1400m. Because the Memsie Stakes regularly attracts elite WFA performers, sharp triallers and proven Group 1 winners building toward major spring targets, the form guide becomes one of the most important early-season tools for punters chasing the best Memsie Stakes bet, analysing Memsie Stakes odds, comparing Memsie Stakes horses, and locking in confident Memsie Stakes tips.

What the Memsie Stakes Form Guide Actually Shows:

• Weight-for-age strength — WFA races reward genuine class; proven Group 1 horses often dominate fresh.
• First-up form — Many Memsie winners strike early; punters should check who historically fires first-up.
• Trial and jump-out form — Late-July and early-August trials reveal which runners are tuned up for a big fresh run.
• Caulfield suitability — Tactical speed is crucial around Caulfield’s tight turn and short straight.
• Race map — On-pace runners often control the tempo; swoopers need the right speed up front.

What Punters Should Look for on the Memsie Stakes Form Guide:

• Class edge — Group 1 winners resuming often outclass rivals at 1400m.
• Trial sharpness — Horses showing intent in trials usually perform strongly first-up.
• Fitness vs talent — Some need the run; others are primed to win fresh.
• Stable intent — Leading Melbourne stables often target this race as a spring launchpad.
• Track pattern — Caulfield can favour on-pace runners depending on wind and rail position.

FULL 2026 MEMSIE STAKES FORM GUIDE

2026 Memsie Stakes Nominations

The early 2026 Memsie Stakes Nominations close on the Monday of race week, and the full list of nominees will be available below as soon as released by Racing Victoria.

The Memsie Stakes 2026 nominations attracted 17 WFA stars including evergreen champion nine-year-old Mr Brightside who won the race back in 2023, race favourite Cosmic Crusader coming off wins in the Bletchingly Stakes and PB Lawrence, and Ciaron Maher’s resuming Caulfield track specialist Jimmysstar.

2026 Memsie Stakes Field

The Memsie Stakes field attracts a strong line-up of talented weight-for-age performers often kicking off their spring bids and eventually heading towards races like the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) later in the spring.

Good lead-up races for horses heading towards the Group 1 Memsie Stakes field include the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield in late July and the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) run a fortnight before Memsie Stakes Day.

Mr Brightside (2023) was the last horse to complete the P.B. Lawrence Stakes – Memsie Stakes double.

Pinstriped (2nd in 2024) was the last Memsie Stakes winner to come via a lead-up run in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes.

The official Memsie Stakes 2026 Final Field & Barriers will be released on the Wednesday of race week and published in full below.

The 2026 Memsie Stakes field features a cracking line-up of 12 star weight-for-age performers led in betting by the resuming Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar who is three-from-four at the track and trip.

Read our full Memsie Stakes 2026 Field, Preview, Tips & Best Bets.

Memsie Stakes Barrier & Speedmap

1

Tom Kitten Backmarker

2

Planet Red Backmarker

3

Autumn Boy Off Midfield

4

Birdman Backmarker

5

Angel Capital Midfield

6

Treasurethe Moment Leader

7

Beiwacht Leader

8

Jimmysstar Off Midfield

9

Mr Brightside Off Pace

10

Buckaroo Backmarker

11

Cosmic Crusader Midfield

12

Sabaj Midfield

Memsie Stakes History

FAQs

What is the Memsie Stakes? The Memsie Stakes is Melbourne’s first Group 1 weight-for-age race of the spring, run over 1400m at Caulfield, and acts as a key early-season form guide for elite WFA horses.

Who should I bet on in the Memsie Stakes? Your Memsie Stakes bet should focus on proven WFA performers, strong first-up horses, and runners showing sharp trial form heading into August.

Where can I find Memsie Stakes odds? Updated Memsie Stakes odds are shaped by trial results, first-up strike rates, and stable confidence, with market moves often signalling which runners are forward enough to win fresh. Ladbrokes offer futures Memsie Stakes odds and top markets after the final acceptances are out.

What are the best Memsie Stakes tips? Top Memsie Stakes tips include backing class runners first-up, respecting trial stars, and watching Caulfield’s track pattern, which can favour on-pace horses depending on wind and rail position.

Which Memsie Stakes horses run well first-up? Group 1 winners and seasoned WFA horses with strong first-up records historically perform best, especially those with proven 1400m form at Caulfield.

What distance is the Memsie Stakes? The race is run over 1400m (seven furlongs), favouring horses with tactical speed and the ability to quicken off a controlled tempo.

When is the Memsie Stakes held? The Memsie Stakes is run in late August, marking the official start of Melbourne’s Group 1 racing season. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday August 29.

First won by Veneda in 1899, the Memsie Stakes has had several multiple winners of the race including the four time race champion Lord from 1958-61. Eurythmic (1920-22) and Ajax (1938-40) have won the race three consecutive times each while there have been several double winners including Heroic (1925-26), Waltzing Lily (1933-34), Comic Court (1949-50), Coppice (1954-55), Yangtze (1965-66), and Sunline (2000-01).

In more recent years the Memsie Stakes has been won by the likes of three-time Melbourne Cup champion Makybe Diva (2005), gun filly Miss Finland (2007), So You Think (2010), dual winner from South Australia Behemoth (2020-21), and the talented Team Hayes-trained weight-for-age hero Mr Brightside (2023).

In 2025, the returning VRC Oaks – Australian Oaks double winner Treasurethe Moment won the Memsie Stakes first-up as a four-year-old mare.

Memsie Stakes Previous Race Winners