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Overview
This page was last updated on October 1, 2026
The 2026 Metropolitan Handicap runs on Saturday October 3 at Royal Randwick as the major staying race on Sydney's Epsom Handicap Day card.
- Race Date: 03/10/2026
- Race Status: Group 1
- Race Conditions: Handicap, Three-Years-Old and Upwards
- Race Venue: Randwick, NSW
- Prize Money: $750,000
- Distance: 2400m
- Track Conditions: Soft5 - FINE
- Rail Position: True.
The Metropolitan 2026 Odds
| 1. The Euphrates (2) J: Tim Clark 59kg 17x41 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 9 in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1600m, 2.75 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $31. Second-up won by 0.9 len in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m defeating Juja Kibo carrying 55kg at $5. Talented import who can measure up again over this trip. | |||
| 2. Soul Of Spain (6) J: James McDonald 58.5kg 2x683 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. At the latest run made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 1.5 len behind The Euphrates with 56kg at $3.90. Before that ran second last of 9 in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1600m, 4 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $61. Should have won this race last year with the 50.5kg, place best. | |||
| 3. Deakin (3) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 56.5kg x5x38 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up came from midfield; 3rd of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 1.2 len behind Kingswood with 57.5kg at $51. Second run from a spell 8th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 2000m, 2 len behind Zahrann carrying 55.5kg at $7. Coming along nicely and is a great chance to atone. | |||
| 4. Green Spaces (8) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 1x860 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Most recently 11th of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 5.5 len behind The Euphrates with 58kg at $10. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 9 in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1600m, 3 len behind Lindermann carrying 58.5kg at $9. ATC Derby winner set to peak fourth up. | |||
| 5. Juja Kibo (5) J: Sam Clipperton 56.5kg 39x32 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 in the LR Hawkesbury Rowley Mile on August 20 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Narbold with 56kg at $11. Second-up raced on the pace when 2nd of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 0.9 len behind The Euphrates carrying 55kg at $7. Ran third here last year and can measure up again. | |||
| 6. Valiant King (1) J: Alysha Collett 55.5kg 70x00 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran last of 11 in the LR Hawkesbury Rowley Mile on August 20 over 1600m, slow going 7 len behind Narbold with 57.5kg at $31. Second run from a spell 10th of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 5.5 len behind The Euphrates with 56kg at $101. Looking elsewhere. | |||
| 7. Aethelwulf (4) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 51111 T: Matthew Smith | |||
| Dual acceptor. On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.5 len in the G3 Newcastle Cup on September 18 over 2300m defeating Steel Blaze carrying 54kg at $1.20. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.25 len in a Bm78 at Rosehill on August 29 over 2000m defeating Anthracite carrying 58kg at $1.35. Goes to a new level again and not sure where the ceiling is. | |||
| 8. Thebudgiesmugla (10) J: Dylan Gibbons 55kg 61144 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Recent form sound. At the latest run raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 in the LR City Tatt's Club Cup at this track on September 5 over 2400m, 3 len behind So You Are with 59kg at $2.90. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 in the G3 Premier's Cup at this track on August 22 over 2000m, on a slow track; 1.1 len behind Boniface with 55kg at $6. Looks a strong top-three prospect in this tougher contest. | |||
| 10. Athabascan (7) J: Jason Collett 54kg 545x0 T: John O'shea & Tom Charlton | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months ran last of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 8 len behind The Euphrates carrying 56kg at $151. Previously second-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 9 in the LR Randwick City Stakes (Canterbury Cup) at this track on March 7 over 2000m, 1.2 len behind Campaldino with 54.5kg at $41. Fitter again but prefer to see a return to form. | |||
| 11. Mr Monaco (11) J: Regan Bayliss 53.5kg 10x40 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 11 in the LR Hawkesbury Rowley Mile on August 20 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Narbold with 56kg at $26. Second-up ran second last of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 7 len behind The Euphrates carrying 56kg at $31. Proven at the trip and the winkers go on, place best. | |||
| 12. Pinhole (12) J: Tyler Schiller 53kg 12x31 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 3rd of 11 in a Bm94 at this track on September 5 over 1600m, 1.4 len behind The Mona Lisa carrying 52.5kg at $21. Second run from a spell won by a nose in a Bm88 at Rosehill on September 26 over 1900m defeating Starzintheireyes with 57kg at $12. Best form is over this trip and stays in the mix. | |||
| 13. Steel Blaze (9) J: Reece Jones 53kg 89362 T: Brett Lazzarini | |||
| Most recently 2nd of 7 in the G3 Newcastle Cup on September 18 over 2300m, 2.5 len behind Aethelwulf carrying 54kg at $101. The race before that from last on the turn ran second last of 7 in the LR Wyong Gold Cup on September 4 over 2100m, 2.5 len behind Matusalem carrying 54kg at $101. Looking to others. | |||
| 9. Piggyback (7) Scratched: | |||
The Metropolitan 2026 is one of Sydney’s premier staying tests, a time-honoured Group 1 2400m handicap run at Royal Randwick that regularly shapes the spring’s major staying features. Attracting seasoned stayers, emerging talents and Caulfield Cup-bound contenders, the race is a key form reference for punters tracking stamina, weights, and genuine staying progression. With the tempo, handicaps and Randwick’s testing rise all set to influence the outcome, our Metropolitan Handicap guide delivers the latest The Metropolitan odds, form insights and expert analysis to help you find value and stay ahead of the action in one of Australia’s most important Group 1 staying contests.
2026 The Metropolitan Results
The official The Metropolitan Handicap 2026 results and finishing order will be updated in full below once the race takes place on Saturday October 3, 2026.
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Winning Margin:Â TBD
Winning Time:Â TBD
The Metropolitan Tips
Stay tuned for our insider The Metropolitan 2026 betting tips for the spring stayers to back and sack at Royal Randwick this Epsom Day.
Read our full 2026 The Metropolitan preview, predictions and best bets now!
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Favourite: No. 7 Aethelwulf
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Each Way Danger: No. 5 Juja Kibo
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Best Roughie: No. 8 Thebudgiesmugla
| 5. Juja Kibo (5) J: Sam Clipperton 56.5kg 39x32 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 in the LR Hawkesbury Rowley Mile on August 20 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Narbold with 56kg at $11. Second-up raced on the pace when 2nd of 14 in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 0.9 len behind The Euphrates carrying 55kg at $7. Ran third here last year and can measure up again. | |||
| 7. Aethelwulf (4) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 51111 T: Matthew Smith | |||
| Dual acceptor. On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.5 len in the G3 Newcastle Cup on September 18 over 2300m defeating Steel Blaze carrying 54kg at $1.20. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.25 len in a Bm78 at Rosehill on August 29 over 2000m defeating Anthracite carrying 58kg at $1.35. Goes to a new level again and not sure where the ceiling is. | |||
| 8. Thebudgiesmugla (10) J: Dylan Gibbons 55kg 61144 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Recent form sound. At the latest run raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 in the LR City Tatt's Club Cup at this track on September 5 over 2400m, 3 len behind So You Are with 59kg at $2.90. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 in the G3 Premier's Cup at this track on August 22 over 2000m, on a slow track; 1.1 len behind Boniface with 55kg at $6. Looks a strong top-three prospect in this tougher contest. | |||
The Metropolitan News
- Colin Stephen Winner So You Are Firms in Melbourne Cup 2026 Betting
- The Euphrates Powers into Spring Cups Calculations With 2026 Kingston Town Stakes Victory
- 2026 Melbourne Cup Dream Alive for Newcastle Gold Cup Winner Aethelwulf
- 2025 The Metropolitan Winner Royal Supremacy Melbourne Cup Bound
- The Metropolitan 2025 Tips & Best Bets
The Metropolitan Handicap is one of the most prestigious and anticipated races run by the Australian Turf Club (ATC) as part of their Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
Held on a major race day at the carnival on either the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October – the day before the NRL Grand Final – at the Royal Randwick Racecourse, The Metropolitan is one of three Group 1 events at the meeting along with the Epsom Handicap (1600m) for milers and the Flight Stakes (1600m) for the three-year-old fillies.
The Metropolitan is a 2400m staying event run under open handicap conditions by entries aged three-years-old and over. Held at the end of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, punters who have watched the earlier races closely should have a fairly strong indication of the dominant runners of the season.
Entries in The Metropolitan may come via a range of races including the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality Handicap (2400m) the week before, or the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in September.
Just Fine (2023) was the last horse to complete the Kingston Town Stakes – The Metropolitan double.
In recent years the Colin Stephen, run at the same course, distance and conditions, has been the most important guide to The Metropolitan and offers the winner a ballot exemption into the Group 1. Horses to take out this Colin Stephen – Metropolitan double include Railings (2005), Dress Circle (2001), Coco Cobanna (2000), Vita Man (1999), In Joyment (1998), Heart Ruler (1997), and Hula Flight (1996).
The Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) also offers the winner a The Metropolitan ballot exemption.
In 2023 Spirit Ridge ran second in the Newcastle Gold Cup and was huge nearly holding off the odds-on favourite Just Fine when runner-up in The Metropolitan next start at 40/1.
Royal Supremacy (2nd in 2025) was the last Newcastle Gold Cup graduate to win The Metropolitan when turning the tables on Soul Of Spain who won the Newcastle race before a second in the Group 1 at Randwick.
The best out of The Metropolitan race may have their sights set on Melbourne’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) later in the month. Four horses have completed The Metropolitan – Caulfield Cup interstate double in the same season, most recently Tawqeet (2006).
The Metropolitan is also one of four lead-up races that offers a $500,000 bonus to any horse that can win it plus Rosehill’s Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) on Golden Eagle Day.
The Metropolitan winner also earns a ballot exemption into the following year’s Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick during April’s ‘The Championships.
The 2021 The Metropolitan form was franked with the winner Montefilia running fourth next-up in that year’s Caulfield Cup results before returning the next autumn to win the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) in 2022.
The 2024 The Metroplitan winner Land Legend franked the form with a next-up third in that year’s Caulfield Cup trifecta, while Zardozi ran second in the race before fourth place runs in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup races that spring.
2026 The Metropolitan Betting
Updated The Metropolitan Handicap 2026 betting markets will be provided for punters at Races.com.au across the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival complete with links to the best The Metropolitan odds online at Ladbrokes.
Just Fine ($1.75 in 2023) was the last The Metropolitan favourite to win.
The Metropolitan Field
2026 The Metropolitan Form
The Metropolitan form guide is the key resource punters use to break down every runner heading into Randwick’s prestigious Group 1 2400m handicap. It compiles each horse’s recent staying form, weight, barrier, jockey, track record, and fitness profile to help punters identify which runners are genuinely suited to the demanding Randwick 2400m. Because The Metropolitan often launches Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup campaigns, the form guide is one of the most important tools for assessing staying prospects during the Sydney spring.
What Punters Should Look for in The Metropolitan Form Guide:
- Handicap weights — Weight is crucial in a true staying handicap. Horses dropping in weight or well-treated at the weights often present strong value.
- Staying form — Look for runners proven at 2000m-2400m or those building towards peak fitness with strong late sectionals.
- Randwick 2400m suitability — The testing rise at Randwick exposes weak stayers. Horses with previous Randwick staying form are a major tick.
- Lead-up races — The Kingston Town Stakes, Colin Stephen Quality and even the Hill Stakes often provide the strongest form lines.
- Barrier draw — Inside gates help on-pacers and grinders hold a position, while swoopers need a draw that allows clean momentum.
- Tempo and map — The Metropolitan is typically run at a genuine staying tempo. Identifying leaders, on-pacers and midfield runners with economical maps is essential.
- Stable intent — Many runners are targeting bigger races. Those set specifically for The Metropolitan often show sharper improvement.
- Market moves — Early firmers, especially those rising in distance or dropping in weight, are worth close attention.
FULL 2026 THE METROPOLITAN FORM GUIDE
2026 The Metropolitan Handicap Nominations & Weights
The 2026 The Metropolitan nominations are released by Racing NSW in early September attracting close to 100 entries each Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
The Metropolitan 2026 nominations close on Monday the 7th of September 2026.
The Metropolitan Handicap 2026 weights are set for release on Monday the 14th of September 2026.
2026 The Metropolitan nominations are now out featuring 22 spring stayers led in all-in betting by the Matthew Smith-trained Newcastle Gold Cup winner Aethelwulf chasing a fifth win on the trot and progressive Waterhouse/Bott import The Euphrates coming off a Group 2 Kingston Town Stakes victory.
2026 The Metropolitan Final Field
The Metropolitan will be the last event for the contending runners at Sydney, although many of the well performing horses will continue their spring campaigns by taking part in some of the premier races of the year at the illustrious Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The Metropolitan Handicap is an excellent lead-up race to the esteemed Group 1 Caulfield Cup, as it is run under much the same conditions.
Each season The Metropolitan field and barriers are released the week of the race attracting a capacity line-up of 18 starters plus four emergencies.
The official 2026 The Metropolitan Final Field & Barrier Draw will be announced the Tuesday of race week and published in full below once released.
The Metropolitan 2026 field features a smart line-up of 13 potential Spring Cups-bound stayers with Aethelwulf the hot favourite coming off four straight wins for Matthew Smith and jockey Zac Lloyd.
| No | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Barrier | Weight | Age | Sex | Last Starts | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Euphrates | Tim Clark | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 2 | 59kg | 5 | G | 17x41 | $1,025,325 |
| 2 | Soul Of Spain | James McDonald | Chris Waller | 6 | 58.5kg | 5 | G | 2x683 | $1,043,145 |
| 3 | Deakin | Kerrin Mcevoy | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 3 | 56.5kg | 6 | G | x5x38 | $609,186 |
| 4 | Green Spaces | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker | 8 | 56.5kg | 4 | H | 1x860 | $1,657,075 |
| 5 | Juja Kibo | Sam Clipperton | Ciaron Maher | 5 | 56.5kg | 5 | G | 39x32 | $503,911 |
| 6 | Valiant King | Alysha Collett | Chris Waller | 1 | 55.5kg | 6 | G | 70x00 | $1,076,917 |
| 7 | Aethelwulf | Zac Lloyd | Matthew Smith | 4 | 55kg | 4 | G | 51111 | $334,950 |
| 8 | Thebudgiesmugla | Dylan Gibbons | Bjorn Baker | 10 | 55kg | 6 | G | 61144 | $660,855 |
| 9 | Piggyback | Andrew Adkins | Ciaron Maher | 7 | 54.5kg | 6 | M | 6x579 | $652,450 |
| 10 | Athabascan | Jason Collett | John O'shea & Tom Charlton | 7 | 54kg | 7 | G | 545x0 | $1,738,106 |
| 11 | Mr Monaco | Regan Bayliss | Ciaron Maher | 11 | 53.5kg | 5 | G | 10x40 | $402,976 |
| 12 | Pinhole | Tyler Schiller | Chris Waller | 12 | 53kg | 4 | G | 12x31 | $249,234 |
| 13 | Steel Blaze | Reece Jones | Brett Lazzarini | 9 | 53kg | 6 | G | 89362 | $245,850 |
The Metropolitan Barrier & Speedmap
The Metropolitan History
The Metropolitan has a rich history dating all the way back to the race’s inception in 1863, which was won by Regno. It began as a principal race run over 16 furlongs until 1892 when the race distance was decreased to 12 furlongs. In 1920 the length of the event went up to 13 furlongs and was then converted to 2600m in 1972. Not long after in 1979 the Metropolitan Handicap became a Group 1 event. In 2001 the race distance was decreased by 200m bringing it to today’s length of 2400m. In its long history, there has only been one year the Metropolitan Handicap was not held and that was in 2007 due to the Equine Flu virus.
In 2021 jockey Hugh Bowman made history winning his 100th career Group 1 aboard Montefilia in The Metropolitan.
In 2023 the odds-on favourite Just Fine set a new The Metropolitan track record saluting for the punters in 2 minutes 26.11 seconds.
The Metropolitan Previous Race Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | TBD | TBD |
| 2nd | TBD | ||
| 3rd | TBD | ||
| 2025 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | Royal Supremacy | 2 minutes 26.84 seconds |
| 2nd | Soul Of Spain | ||
| 3rd | Juja Kibo | ||
| 2024 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | Land Legend | 2 minutes 27.47 seconds |
| 2nd | Zardozi | ||
| 3rd | Unusual Legacy | ||
| 2023 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | Just Fine | 2 minutes 26.11 seconds (R) |
| 2nd | Spirit Ridge | ||
| 3rd | Kalapour | ||
| 2022 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | No Compromise | 2 minutes 38.13 seconds |
| 2nd | Le Don De Vie | ||
| 3rd | Realm Of Flowers | ||
| 2021 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | Montefilia | 2 minutes 27.79 seconds |
| 2nd | Entente | ||
| 3rd | Harpo Marx | ||
| 2020 Metropolitan Handicap |
1st | Mirage Dancer | 2 minutes 27.52 seconds |
| 2nd | Mugatoo | ||
| 3rd | Angel Of Truth | ||
The Metropolitan FAQs
What is The Metropolitan?
The Metropolitan is a historic Group 1 2400m handicap run at Royal Randwick and is one of Australia’s premier staying features of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
When is The Metropolitan held?
The race is run on the first Saturday of October, alongside the Epsom Handicap and other major spring events. The 2026 edition is set to run on Saturday October 3.
Where is The Metropolitan run?
The Metropolitan takes place at Royal Randwick, a track known for its testing rise and genuine staying challenges.
What distance is The Metropolitan?
The race is run over 2400 metres, making it a true stamina test for seasoned stayers and emerging spring contenders.
How many horses run in The Metropolitan?
The Metropolitan typically assembles a capacity field of 18 runners, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive Group 1 handicaps.
What type of horses contest The Metropolitan?
Proven stayers, rising 2000m-2400m talents, and Caulfield Cup hopefuls regularly target the race.
What are the key lead-up races?
The Kingston Town Stakes, Colin Stephen Quality, and Hill Stakes often provide the strongest form lines into The Metropolitan.
Is The Metropolitan a reliable spring form race?
Yes — Metropolitan runners frequently progress to the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup, and other major staying features.
Where can I find The Metropolitan odds?
Updated odds are available as soon as markets open at Ladbrokes with price shifts driven by weights, staying form and stable plans.
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 Ranwick?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in The Metropolitan?
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 Now| Metropolitan Handicap | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 3, 2026 |
| Track: | Randwick Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2400m |
| Conditions: | Three-year-old & Up – Open Handicap |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prizemoney: | $750,000 |
| Inaugurated: | 1863 |
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