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The Thousand Guineas Prelude 2026 ran on Saturday September 19, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse for Thousand Guineas-bound fillies and saw the Ciaron Maher-trained Icelady ($7.50) lead all-the-way to break her maiden status.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude 2026 is a pivotal spring race for three-year-old fillies, and this page gives punters a complete introduction to the Group 2 event that shapes the Melbourne mile division every year. Run over 1400 metres at Caulfield, the Prelude is a key lead-up to the prestigious Thousand Guineas and consistently attracts emerging fillies on the rise, proven stakes performers, and runners building towards major Group 1 targets later in the carnival. Known for its fast tempo, deep fields, and reliable form lines, the race is a favourite among punters chasing early spring insights, value plays, and a clear read on which fillies are ready to peak. This guide covers everything from Thousand Guineas Prelude betting odds, tips, field updates, and race history, helping anyone diving into one of Caulfield’s most influential spring features.

2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude Results

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude results and finishing order and to see what fillies have the Group 1 Thousand Guineas race on the cards this spring.

Winning Margin: 0.75 lengths

Winning Time: 1:23.26

The 2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude results at Caulfield produced a new Group 1 Thousand Guineas contender in Icelady ($7.50), with the Ciaron Maher-trained daughter of Maurice breaking her maiden in impressive fashion on Underwood Stakes Day. Despite entering the Group 2 feature winless after four starts, Icelady justified her reputation as one of the country’s best maidens, leading throughout under a positive ride from Ethan Brown before holding off stablemate Saintly Dancer by three-quarters of a length, with favourite Profligate finishing third. The victory gave Icelady her first black-type success and confirmed her place in next month’s Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield, with both Maher and Brown confident the filly will relish the rise to a mile. Following the breakthrough performance, bookmakers reacted swiftly, with Ladbrokes slashing her 2026 Thousand Guineas odds from $51 into $15, elevating her among the leading chances for Melbourne’s premier three-year-old fillies’ feature.

Click here for the full story.

2026 Thousand Guineas Odds & Finishing Order

See below for the latest Thousand Guineas Prelude 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.

2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Thousand Guineas Prelude 2026 Tips on the important Thousand Guineas lead-up race for fillies this spring.

Favourite: No. 6 Portinari

Each Way Danger: No. 8 Tolaga Bay

Best Roughie: No. 11 Burning Heartz

Raced over 1400m, the Thousand Guineas Prelude pays $300,000 in total prize money. Open only to fillies aged three years old, the Thousand Guineas Prelude presents punters and race fans with a great opportunity to gauge the form of the season’s best young fillies heading towards a Group 1 run during the Spring Racing Carnival. It is run under set weights plus penalties, which allows for a fairly interesting competition, with the better fillies usually coming out on top.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude was originally held in September before moving ahead of the 2023 edition to take place on the same day as the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

In 2025 it moved back to its late September timeslot on its own feature race day at Sandown Hillside alongside the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) before moving back to Caulfield in 2026 to join the Underwood Stakes Day card.

Other key races at the meeting including the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) for Caulfield Cup types and the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) as well as the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude which is the colts’ and geldings’ equivalent of the Thousand Guineas Prelude.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude acts as a great lead-up event to the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), which now takes place in October on Caulfield Cup Day as of 2025. The Thousand Guineas Prelude – Thousand Guineas double was last completed by Irish Lights (2009).

More recently in 2020 the Thousand Guineas Prelude winner Instant Celebrity went on to run third in the Thousand Guineas trifecta, while the filly Personal ran second in both races. Instant Celebrity further franked the form winning the following year’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes and placing third in the 2021 Group 1 The Goodwood in Adelaide.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude is also known as the Tranquil Star Stakes in honour of former Caulfield Stakes – Cox Plate double winning mare Tranquil Star.

The 2021 Thousand Guineas Prelude form was franked with the upset winner Bon’s A Pearla returning the following autumn to run third in the Group 1 Australian Guineas in 2022. The third placed Elusive Express further franked the form winning the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) next-up at Flemington, before a second in that spring’s Thousand Guineas and fourth in the VRC Oaks.

In 2022 She’s Licketysplit ran second in both the Prelude and Thousand Guineas results with a Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes victory at Flemington in between.

The 2024 Thousand Guineas Prelude form was franked with the winner, Too Darn Lizzie, going on to run third in that year’s Thousand Guineas trifecta.

The 2025 Thousand Guineas Prelude also produced that year’s Thousand Guineas winner with the runner-up, Ole Dancer, going one better in the Group 1.

Thousand Guineas Prelude
Date:	Saturday September 19, 2026
Track:	Caulfield Racecourse
Distance:	1400m
Race Type:	3YO Fillies SW+P
Status:	Group 2
Prize Money:	$300,000

2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude Betting Odds

The Thousand Guineas Prelude 2026 betting odds and market links to Ladbrokes on the official Thousand Guineas lead-up race for fillies will be available here at Races.com.au the week of the event.

Instant Celebrity ($2.80 in 2020) was the last favourite in Thousand Guineas Prelude betting to salute for the punters.

There was a notable upset in 2021 with Bon’s A Pearla winning at Thousand Guineas Prelude odds of $31.

2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude Form

The Thousand Guineas Prelude form guide is the detailed breakdown of every filly contesting Caulfield’s important Group 2 1400 metre lead-up, giving punters a clear snapshot of each runner’s recent form, racing pattern, strengths, and suitability to the trip. It’s the key tool for understanding how the race is likely to unfold, which fillies are trending upwards, and who is best placed to progress towards the Group 1 Thousand Guineas. A strong Prelude form guide helps punters compare Melbourne and Sydney form lines, assess early spring improvement, and identify genuine betting value.

What Punters Should Look for on the Thousand Guineas Prelude Form Guide:

• 1400m suitability — Fillies proven at 1200–1400m or showing strong late splits are ideally placed.
• Recent form — Look for runners arriving off competitive metro finishes or sharp trials.
• Caulfield track profile — The tight turns and short straight reward fillies who can settle and accelerate quickly.
• Spring progression — Many Prelude runners are building towards the Thousand Guineas; identify those improving with each run.
• Barrier & race map — Early position matters at Caulfield. Punters should assess which fillies map to get clean runs.
• Stable strength — Leading yards often target this race with high-quality fillies.
• Sectional times — Fast late splits in lead-ups are a strong indicator of a filly ready to peak.
• Gear changes — Blinkers on or other adjustments can signal intent and sharpen performance.

FULL 2026 THOUSAND GUINEAS PRELUDE FORM GUIDE

2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude Field

The Thousand Guineas Prelude field features a quality line-up of Group 1 bound three-year-old fillies that could have the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) in sight.

The official 2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude field and barriers are released by Racing Victoria on the Wednesday leading-up to the event and will be available in full below following final acceptances.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude 2026 final field features a cracking line-up of potentially Group 1-bound fillies including the undefeated Mark Walker-trained Tolaga Bay drawn out wide, Group 2 winner Grinzinger Heart with the outside alley to overcome and the progressive Ciaron Maher-trained Icelady.

2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude Nominations

The 2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude nominations close on the Monday of race week.

Thousand Guineas Prelude History

Before it became the Thousand Guineas Prelude, this race was known as the Tranquil Star Stakes. Inaugurated in 1985, the Thousand Guineas Prelude has rapidly grown into one of the essential three-year-old races in Australia. As it is restricted to fillies, the Thousand Guineas Prelude is one of the most important events for understanding form and career direction.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude was a Group 3 event prior to the 2013 edition, when it ran for the first time with Group 2 status. Throughout its history, the Thousand Guineas Prelude has developed a reputation for producing some top runners. A lot of the fillies in this event have gone on to great success in the Thousand Guineas.

Commanding Jewel came second in the 2012 Thousand Guineas Prelude prior to her Edward Manifold Stakes and Thousand Guineas victories. Mosheen, who took out third in 2011, went on to win the Crown Oaks. Irish Lights was able to string together a win in the Prelude and the Thousand Guineas in 2009. Hollow Bullet and Ballet Society managed to place in both events in 2004.

The Thousand Guineas Prelude results and winning times since 2000 are listed below.

Thousand Guineas Prelude Results

Year	Place	Horse	Time
2026 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Icelady	1 minute 23.26 seconds
	2nd	Saintly Dancer
	3rd	Profligate
2025 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Ferivia	1 minute 23.59 seconds
	2nd	Ole Dancer
	3rd	Salty Pearl
2024 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Too Darn Lizzie	1 minute 25.86 seconds
	2nd	Zeitung
	3rd	Geegees Mistruth
2023 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Coeur Volante	1 minute 23.53 seconds
	2nd	Vivy Air
	3rd	Zourion
2022 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Boogie Dancer	1 minute 27.63 seconds
	2nd	Sumatra
	3rd	She’s Licketysplit
2021 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Bon’s A Pearla	1 minute 24.88 seconds
	2nd	Heresy
	3rd	Elusive Express
2020 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Instant Celebrity	1 minute 25.28 seconds
	2nd	Personal
	3rd	Rock My Wand
2019 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Acting	1 minute 23.94 seconds
	2nd	Southbank
	3rd	Barbie’s Fox
2018 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Smart Melody	1 minute 22.73 seconds
	2nd	Thrillster
	3rd	El Dorado Dreaming
2017 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Booker	1 minute 23.42 seconds
	2nd	Shoals
	3rd	Catchy
2016 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Legless Leuve	1 minute 25.2 seconds
	2nd	La Luna Rosa
	3rd	Sword Of Light
2015 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Miss Gunpowder	1 minute 23.2 seconds
	2nd	Payroll
	3rd	Jameka
2014 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Afleet Esprit	1 minute 24.5 seconds
	2nd	Amicus
	3rd	Go Indy Go
2013 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Gregers	1 minute 29.5 seconds
	2nd	Marianne
	3rd	Politeness
2012 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Lady Of Harrods	1 minute 24.9 seconds
	2nd	Commanding Jewel
	3rd	Molto Bene
2011 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Bliss Street	1 minute 24.2 seconds
	2nd	Hallowell Belle
	3rd	Mosheen
2010 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Divorces	1 minute 24.2 seconds
	2nd	Sistine Angel
	3rd	Panipique
2009 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Irish Lights	1 minute 26.1 seconds
	2nd	Set For Fame
	3rd	Mont Fleuri
2008 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Ortensia	1 minute 26.0 seconds
	2nd	Romneya
	3rd	Sugar Babe
2007 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Gabbidon	1 minute 23.9 seconds
	2nd	Jestatune
	3rd	Sleek Chassis
2006 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Miss Finland	1 minute 24.3 seconds
	2nd	Anamato
	3rd	My Only Hope
2005 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Doubting	1 minute 27.4 seconds
	2nd	Pinezero
	3rd	Isanami
2004 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Hollow Bullet	1 minute 24.3 seconds
	2nd	Ballet Society
	3rd	Astradame
2003 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Hinting	1 minute 22.9 seconds
	2nd	Ashenti
	3rd	Portland Damask
2002 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	La Bella Dame	1 minute 24.2 seconds
	2nd	Toast Of The Coast
	3rd	Lashed
2001 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	Haste Ye Back	1 minute 25.0 seconds
	2nd	Malagra Miss
	3rd	Special Grange
2000 Thousand Guineas Prelude	1st	So Gorgeous	1 minute 22.9 seconds
	2nd	Ponton Flyer
	3rd	All Time High

Thousand Guineas Prelude FAQs

What is the Thousand Guineas Prelude?
The Thousand Guineas Prelude is a Group 2 race for three-year-old fillies run over 1400 metres at Caulfield as a key lead-up to the Group 1 Thousand Guineas.

When is the Thousand Guineas Prelude held?
The race is held in September, forming an important part of Melbourne’s early spring carnival. The 2026 edition is set to run on Saturday September 19.

Where is the Thousand Guineas Prelude run?
The Prelude is run at Caulfield Racecourse, a track known for its tight turns and short home straight.

What distance is the Thousand Guineas Prelude?
The race is contested over 1400 metres, ideal for fillies progressing from sprint trips towards the mile.

What type of horses contest the Thousand Guineas Prelude?
The race attracts emerging spring fillies, proven stakes performers, and runners building towards the Thousand Guineas.

Is the Thousand Guineas Prelude a good form race?
Yes — the Prelude consistently produces strong Group 1 form, with many winners and placegetters progressing to elite races.

What are the key lead-up races?
Melbourne 1200–1400m fillies’ races, early spring trials, and Sydney form lines are the main references heading into the Prelude.

How important are barriers in the Thousand Guineas Prelude?
Barriers matter at Caulfield, with fillies who can settle quickly and secure a forward position often gaining a tactical advantage.

Where can I find Thousand Guineas Prelude odds?
Updated odds are available as soon as markets open at Ladbrokes, with prices shifting based on trials, lead-up form, and stable confidence.

Is the Thousand Guineas Prelude a good betting race?
Absolutely — the race’s strong form lines, emerging talent, and clear progression to the Thousand Guineas make it a popular betting target.