Join Ladbrokes Races.com.au Favourite Bookmaker!
Join Ladbrokes through Races.com.au and be ready when the gates open.
Code used 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
Join Ladbrokes Races.com.au Favourite Bookmaker!
Join Ladbrokes through Races.com.au and be ready when the gates open.
Code used 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
Crystal Mile News
The 2026 Crystal Mile took place on Saturday October 24, 2026 as part of Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day and was won in a career-defining moment by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott’s in-form mare Surfin’ Bird ($3F).
The Group 2 Crystal Mile 2026 is one of the standout support races of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, attracting a quality field of proven milers and emerging middle-distance talents on Cox Plate Day. Renowned as a strong test of class over the mile, the race regularly features accomplished Group performers looking to add valuable black-type success to their spring campaigns while providing punters with a competitive betting contest. On this page, you’ll find the latest Crystal Mile odds 2026, Crystal Mile betting 2026 tips, field information, form guide, barrier draw, results, and market movers as the contenders line up for one of the season’s premier mile features.
2026 Crystal Mile Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Crystal Mile results and finishing order and to see what middle-distance gallopers may be heading to the Champions Mile during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
- #12 Surfin' Bird
- #6 Buckaroo
- #7 Another Wil
Winning Margin: 0.5 lengths
Winning Time: 1:36.45
The 2026 Crystal Mile results saw the rapidly improving Surfin’ Bird ($3 favourite) continue her outstanding spring campaign with a strong victory in the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) at Flemington on Cox Plate Day. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained mare settled prominently under Jordan Childs before kicking clear to score by a half-length over Buckaroo, with Another Wil a further length away in third, stopping the clock in 1:36.45. The win was the daughter of The Autumn Sun’s seventh from just 12 career starts and further showcased her emergence as a genuine stakes-class performer. The performance also saw bookmakers react swiftly, with Surfin’ Bird firming dramatically from $26 into $5 in 2026 Empire Rose Stakes betting at Ladbrokes with the in-form five-year-old now considered one of the leading chances for next Saturday’s Group 1 mile feature at the same Flemington track and distance.
Click here for the full story.
2026 Crystal Mile Race Replay
2026 Crystal Mile Odds & Finishing Order
See below for the latest Crystal Mile 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.
| 12. Surfin’ Bird (6) 56kg51×41 | |||
| 6. Buckaroo (3) 57kg5×550 | |||
| 7. Another Wil (8) 57kg0x935 | |||
| 14. Astral Flame (2) 55kg124×6 | |||
| 3. Sun God (4) 57.5kg21×89 | |||
| 11. Pondalowie (1) 56.5kg5×815 | |||
| 10. Enxuto (10) 57kg96×36 | |||
| 13. On Display (5) 55kg99×34 | |||
| 8. Feroce (11) 57kg2×550 | |||
| 1. Von Hauke (9) 58.5kg03×70 | |||
| 5. Zakouma (7) 57.5kg1×665 | |||
| 2. Evaporate (12)SCRATCHED: | |||
| 4. Welcometotheshow (2)SCRATCHED: | |||
| 9. Harry’s Yacht (10)SCRATCHED: | |||
2026 Crystal Mile Tips
Stay tuned for our exclusive Crystal Mile 2026 Tips on the Cox Plate Day support act this spring.
Favourite: No. 12 Surfin’ Bird
| 12. Surfin’ Bird (6) 56kg51×41 |
Each Way Danger: No. 7 Another Wil
| 7. Another Wil (8) 57kg0x935 |
Best Roughie: No. 13 On Display
| 13. On Display (5) 55kg99×34 |
Traditionally at Moonee Valley Racecourse in late October, in 2026 the Crystal Mile is known as the Kia Ora Stud Mile and will run at Flemington with The Valley closed for redevelopment.
Worth $400,000 in prize money, the set weights plus penalties showdown attracts a strong group of milers which can tackle the 1600m distance. Many of these horses will come via the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and will go on to compete in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m). Turn Me Loose (2015) was the last horse to complete the Crystal Mile – Champions Mile double.
The 2023 Crystal Mile form was franked with the second placed Antino returning the following year to win the 2024 Toorak Handicap by a dominant 6.5 lengths!
The Crystal Mile is one of a host of Group status races held at The Valley at the meeting that is headlined by the Group 1 $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m).
The 2022 Crystal Mile form was franked with the winner My Oberon returning in the autumn to finish runner-up to Mr Brightside in the 2023 Doncaster Mile in Sydney.
| Crystal Mile 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 24, 2026 |
| Track: | Moonee Valley Racecourse (Flemington in 2026) |
| Distance: | 1600m |
| Race Type: | 3YO&UP WFA |
| Status: | Group 2 |
| Prize Money: | $400,000 |
2026 Crystal Mile Betting
The latest Crystal Mile 2026 odds and betting markets will be provided by Ladbrokes the week of Cox Plate Day so you can lock in your top Crystal Mile betting tips.
Plenty Of Ammo ($3.90 in 2024) and Surfin’ Bird ($3 in 2026) are the latest Crystal Mile favourites to salute for the punters.
There was a notable upset in 2025 with Von Hauke improving on his fourth the year before to win at big Crystal Mile odds of $10.
2026 Crystal Mile Form Guide
The Crystal Mile form guide is an essential resource for punters analysing one of the premier mile races of the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Run under set weights plus penalties conditions over 1600 metres, the Group 2 feature attracts a quality field of proven milers, stakes performers, and emerging middle-distance gallopers looking to add valuable black-type success on Cox Plate Day. The form guide provides key information on each runner’s recent performances, track and distance statistics, barrier draw, jockey and trainer combinations, and betting market movements. By studying the Crystal Mile form guide, punters can identify the horses best suited to the race conditions and uncover potential value in the betting markets.
What Punters Should Look for in the Crystal Mile Form Guide:
- Proven mile form – Horses with strong performances over 1600m often have a distinct advantage in the Crystal Mile.
- Set weights plus penalties credentials – Recent stakes winners may carry penalty weight, making it important to assess how runners are weighted relative to their rivals.
- Recent black-type performances – Horses competing well in Group and Listed races generally bring the strongest form into the event.
- Lead-up race form – Runners exiting races such as the Toorak Handicap, Epsom Handicap, Tristarc Stakes, Hill Stakes, and other spring mile features warrant close attention.
- Track and distance record – Previous success at the host venue and over the mile can be a valuable indicator of a horse’s chances.
- Barrier draw – An advantageous gate can help runners secure an economical run and a favourable position in transit.
- Track conditions – Punters should assess whether runners are best suited to firm, soft, or rain-affected ground.
- Trainer and jockey combinations – Leading stables and top riders regularly target the Crystal Mile with quality gallopers.
- Betting market support – Significant moves in the Crystal Mile betting markets can indicate stable confidence and identify runners expected to perform strongly on race day.
FULL 2026 CRYSTAL MILE FORM GUIDE
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Ask Form Genius...
- Which runner has the best trainer/jockey combo at Flemington?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in the Crystal Mile?
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Get Free Access to Form Genius Now2026 Crystal Mile Field
The Crystal Mile field draws some of the top weight-for-agers currently engaged in their spring campaign. Good lead-up races into the Crystal Mile field include the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) run at Caulfield the weekend before or the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) for gallopers looking to come back down in class and distance.
The 2026 Crystal Mile field and barriers are released on the Wednesday of race week and will be published in full below as soon as announced by the Moonee Valley Racing Club.
The Crystal Mile 2026 final field features a quality line-up of middle-distance gallopers led in betting by Gai Waterhouse & Adrain Bott’s last start Group 3 Ladies’ Day Vase champ Surfin’ Bird who is four-from-four at the distance.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Von Hauke
J: Ethan Brown
T: Cliff Brown |
103×70 | G | 9 | 58.5kg | |
| 2. Evaporate (12) Scratched: | |||||
|
3. Sun God
J: Jye Mcneil
T: Chris Waller |
121×89 | G | 4 | 57.5kg | |
| 4. Welcometotheshow (2) Scratched: | |||||
|
5. Zakouma
J: William Pike
T: Grahame Begg |
71×665 | G | 7 | 57.5kg | |
|
6. Buckaroo
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller |
25×550 | G | 3 | 57kg | |
|
7. Another Wil
J: John Allen
T: Ciaron Maher |
40×935 | G | 8 | 57kg | |
|
8. Feroce
J: Billy Egan
T: Dominic Sutton |
72×550 | G | 11 | 57kg | |
| 9. Harry’s Yacht (10) Scratched: | |||||
|
10. Enxuto
J: Blake Shinn
T: Robbie Griffiths |
396×36 | G | 10 | 57kg | |
|
11. Pondalowie
J: Lachlan Neindorf
T: Emma-Lee & David Browne |
35×815 | M | 1 | 56.5kg | |
|
12. Surfin’ Bird
J: Jordan Childs
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
251×41 | M | 6 | 56kg | |
|
13. On Display
J: Damian Lane
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
099×34 | M | 5 | 55kg | |
|
14. Astral Flame
J: Michael Dee
T: Enver Jusufovic |
1124×6 | M | 2 | 55kg | |
2026 Crystal Mile Nominations
Nominations on the Crystal Mile in 2026 are taken on the Monday of race week.
Crystal Mile History
First raced in 1982 and won by Getting Closer, the Crystal Mile was originally titled the “Waterford Crystal Mile” however in 2007 it changed sponsors and is now named the “Patinack Farm Crystal Mile”. Originally a Listed race, the Crystal Mile was elevated to Group 3 status in 1986 and became a Group 2 race in 1997.
The event has only been won twice by one horse named Weasel Will in 2000 and 2001. 1 minute 33.2 seconds is the record for the fastest winning time (since 1988) by Ark Regal in 1990 whereas Niconero holds the slowest time record for his 2005 win with 1 minute 39.4 seconds.
Surfin’ Bird (2026) was the last Crystal Mile winning mare.
Recent Crystal Mile Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crystal Mile | 1st | Surfin’ Bird | 1 minute 36.45 seconds |
| 2nd | Buckaroo | ||
| 3rd | Another Wil | ||
| 2025 Crystal Mile | 1st | Von Hauke | 1 minute 35.63 seconds |
| 2nd | Golden Path | ||
| 3rd | Rise At Dawn | ||
| 2024 Crystal Mile | 1st | Plenty Of Ammo | 1 minute 34.88 seconds |
| 2nd | Royal Champion | ||
| 3rd | Nugget | ||
| 2023 Crystal Mile | 1st | Prowess | 1 minute 35.79 seconds |
| 2nd | Antino | ||
| 3rd | Tuvalu | ||
| 2022 Crystal Mile | 1st | My Oberon | 1 minute 38.37 seconds |
| 2nd | Bankers Choice | ||
| 3rd | Buffalo River | ||
| 2021 Crystal Mile | 1st | Just Folk | 1 minute 38.31 seconds |
| 2nd | Begood Toya Mother | ||
| 3rd | Elephant | ||
| 2020 Crystal Mile | 1st | Homesman | 1 minute 38.42 seconds |
| 2nd | Age Of Chivalry | ||
| 3rd | King’s Will Dream | ||
| 2019 Crystal Mile | 1st | Chief Ironside | 1 minute 35.46 seconds |
| 2nd | Cliff’s Edge | ||
| 3rd | Best Of Days | ||
| 2018 Crystal Mile | 1st | Cliff’s Edge | 1 minute 35.40 seconds |
| 2nd | Prized Icon | ||
| 3rd | Duca Valentinois | ||
| 2017 Crystal Mile | 1st | Lucky Hussler | 1 minute 34.56 seconds |
| 2nd | Religify | ||
| 3rd | It’s Somewhat | ||
| 2016 Crystal Mile | 1st | The United States | 1 minute 39.79 seconds |
| 2nd | Lidari | ||
| 3rd | Ulmann | ||
| 2015 Crystal Mile | 1st | Turn Me Loose | 1 minute 35.0 seconds |
| 2nd | Bow Creek | ||
| 3rd | Lucky Hussler | ||
| 2014 Crystal Mile | 1st | Hooked | 1 minute 34.98 seconds |
| 2nd | Bull Point | ||
| 3rd | Desert Jeuney | ||
| 2013 Crystal Mile | 1st | Toydini | 1 minute 36.04 seconds |
| 2nd | Speediness | ||
| 3rd | Sacred Falls | ||
| 2012 Crystal Mile | 1st | Silent Achiever | 1 minute 35.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Rangirangdoo | ||
| 3rd | Solzhenitsyn | ||
| 2011 Crystal Mile | 1st | Testa My Patience | 1 minute 36.74 seconds |
| 2nd | Hawks Bay | ||
| 3rd | He’s Remarkable | ||
| 2010 Crystal Mile | 1st | Sound Journey | 1 minute 36.71 seconds |
| 2nd | Trader | ||
| 3rd | Drumbeats | ||
| 2009 Crystal Mile | 1st | Rangirangdoo | 1 minute 34.96 seconds |
| 2nd | Sound Of Nature | ||
| 3rd | All American | ||
| 2008 Crystal Mile | 1st | Sea Battle | 1 minute 36.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Conquering | ||
| 3rd | Orange County | ||
| 2007 Crystal Mile | 1st | Sonic Quest | 1 minute 35.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Orange County | ||
| 3rd | Tears I Cry | ||
| 2006 Crystal Mile | 1st | Flash Trick | 1 minute 37.2 seconds |
| 2nd | New Edge | ||
| 3rd | Rockford Bay | ||
| 2005 Crystal Mile | 1st | Niconero | 1 minute 39.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Cargo Cult | ||
| 3rd | Miss Potential | ||
| 2004 Crystal Mile | 1st | Lad Of The Manor | 1 minute 37 seconds |
| 2nd | Lord Mick | ||
| 3rd | Sir Dex | ||
| 2003 Crystal Mile | 1st | Rosina Lad | 1 minute 38.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Walk On Air | ||
| 3rd | Archave | ||
| 2002 Crystal Mile | 1st | Royal Code | 1 minute 36.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Weasel Will | ||
| 3rd | Excellerator | ||
| 2001 Crystal Mile | 1st | Weasel Will | 1 minute 37.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Le Zagaletta | ||
| 3rd | Typhoon | ||
| 2000 Crystal Mile | 1st | Weasel Will | 1 minute 38.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Le Zagaletta | ||
| 3rd | Czar Hero | ||
Crystal Mile FAQs
What is the Crystal Mile?
The Crystal Mile is a Group 2 thoroughbred horse race run over 1600 metres under set weights plus penalties conditions. The race attracts a quality field of proven milers, stakes performers, and emerging middle-distance horses during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
What is the Crystal Mile called in 2026?
In 2026, the race is run as the Kia Ora Stud Mile, reflecting its current sponsorship arrangement while retaining its status as one of the key mile races of the spring.
Where is the Kia Ora Stud Mile run in 2026?
Due to the redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse, the 2026 Kia Ora Stud Mile (Crystal Mile) will be run at Flemington Racecourse.
When is the Crystal Mile run?
The Crystal Mile is traditionally held on Cox Plate Day in late October as part of one of Australia’s premier race meetings.
How far is the Crystal Mile?
The Crystal Mile is contested over a distance of 1600 metres, testing a horse’s speed, stamina, and tactical versatility.
What are the conditions of the Crystal Mile?
Formerly run at weight-for-age, the race is now conducted under set weights plus penalties conditions, with additional weight penalties applied to horses based on previous stakes race success.
What type of horse typically wins the Crystal Mile?
Successful Crystal Mile winners usually possess strong mile form, recent black-type performances, and the ability to handle quality opposition at stakes level.
Which lead-up races are important for the Crystal Mile?
Key lead-up races often include the Toorak Handicap, Epsom Handicap, Hill Stakes, and other spring mile and middle-distance black-type contests.
How can I bet on the Crystal Mile?
Punters can wager on the race through licensed bookmakers including Ladbrokes offering win, place, each-way, exacta, quinella, trifecta, first four, and fixed-odds betting markets.
Where can I find the latest Crystal Mile odds?
You can find the latest Crystal Mile odds, betting markets, field updates, form guides, tips, scratchings, and results right here at Races.com.au.
next to go
