Chances are you're about to lose.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
WH Stocks Stakes News
The Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes 2026 took place at Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday September 27, 2026 as part of Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Day and saw the progressive Lucy Yeomans-trained Changing Colours ($3.80) salute by a length ahead of a potential Group 1 spring target.
The Ladbrokes W.H. Stocks Stakes 2026 is a key Group 2 mares’ mile of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, and with Moonee Valley closed for redevelopment in 2026, the race shifts to Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday. Run over 1600m, the Stocks Stakes regularly showcases elite mares returning for their spring campaigns, sharp second-up improvers, and rising middle-distance talents looking to break through at Group level. As an important early season form reference, the race helps punters identify which mares are ready to peak, which are building toward major Group 1 targets, and where the value sits in a competitive set weights plus penalties contest. For fans and punters alike, the W.H. Stocks Stakes delivers high-quality racing, strong betting angles, and a crucial guide to the mares set to shape the spring.
2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes results and finishing order.
- #5 Changing Colours
- #1 Sass Appeal
- #2 Too Darn Discreet
Winning Margin: 1 length
Winning Time: 1:35.41
The 2026 Stocks Stakes results saw progressive mare Changing Colours ($3.80) continue her impressive rise through the ranks with a breakthrough Group 2 victory over 1600m at Caulfield, delivering trainer Lucy Yeomans her first success at the level. Ridden perfectly by Blake Shinn, the daughter of The Autumn Sun proved too strong for the $2.15 favourite Sass Appeal, scoring by a length with Too Darn Discreet ($5.50) another 1¼ lengths away in third. The win represented the biggest achievement of her career to date and elevated the six-year-old into Group 1 discussions, with both the Toorak Handicap (1600m) on Caulfield Guineas Day and the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day now under consideration. Yeomans admitted the stable had long dreamed of races like the Toorak and Empire Rose, while Shinn suggested the mare had earned her chance at the elite level after another polished performance. Bookmakers were quick to react, with Ladbrokes winding in Changing Colours’ Empire Rose Stakes odds from $15 into $11, while she also remains a $15 chance in Toorak Handicap betting, further underlining her emergence as one of the spring’s exciting mares.
Click here for the full story.
2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Race Replay
2026 W.H. Stocks Stakes Odds & Finishing Order
See below for the latest Stocks Stakes 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.
| 5. Changing Colours (8) J: Blake Shinn 55kg x4111 T: Lucy Yeomans | ||
| 1. Sass Appeal (2) J: Damian Lane 58kg 1×144 T: Danny O’brien | ||
| 2. Too Darn Discreet (9) J: Declan Bates 56kg 011×2 T: Dan O’sullivan | ||
| 3. Private Legacy (5) J: Ben Melham 56kg x901x T: Gregory Hickman | ||
| 12. Moonlight Circus (3) J: Ethan Brown 55kg x60x6 T: Michael Kent | ||
| 4. Sea What I See (6) J: Craig Williams 55kg 243×9 T: Danny O’brien | ||
| 10. Glasgow Lass (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 55kg 0x352 T: Matt Laurie | ||
| 6. After Summer (4) J: Billy Egan 55kg 6230x T: Dominic Sutton | ||
| 11. Charisse (7) J: Patrick Moloney 55kg 247×0 T: Gerard Moloney |
2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes 2026 Tips on the mile showdown in Melbourne this spring.
Favourite: No. 5 Changing Colours
| 5. Changing Colours (8) J: Blake Shinn 55kg x4111 T: Lucy Yeomans |
Each Way Danger: No. 2 Too Darn Discreet
| 2. Too Darn Discreet (9) J: Declan Bates 56kg 011×2 T: Dan O’sullivan |
Best Roughie: No. 8 Perfect Ten
| 8. Perfect Ten (2) Scratched: | |||
The Group 2 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes is held in September during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Currently taking place in late September and traditionally run at Moonee Valley on Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Day, the WH Stocks is a 1600m (1514m in 2024 and 1500m 2025) middle distance event. Worth $300,000 in prize money it is for mares aged four-years-old and above and is currently run at Set Weights plus Penalties.
In 2026, the Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes moved from The Valley (under redevelopment) to Caulfield and Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Day was held on the Sunday after Saturday’s Golden Rose Stakes card in Sydney.
Other races solely for mares held earlier in the carnival are the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), which is now known as the Courtza Stakes, and the Group 2 Lets Elope Stakes (1400m), and a few runners may have previously contested these shorter distanced events.
Brilliant WA mare Amelia’s Jewel (2023) was the last to complete the Let’s Elope Stakes – Stocks Stakes double.
In 2024 another Perth raider, Alsephina, improved on a lead-up third on a Heavy (9) track in the Let’s Elope Stakes to win the Stocks Stakes on a Good (4) at Moonee Valley. That year’s Let’s Elope winner Grinzinger Belle meanwhile ran third in the Stocks Stakes trifecta.
Splash Back (5th in 2025) was the last Let’s Elope graduate to win the Stocks Stakes.
The Stocks Stakes is an excellent lead up to events like the Group 2 Blazer Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) on Caulfield Cup Day in October.
The race usually attracts a field of handy mares and quality winners include Tuesday Joy (2008), Atlantic Jewel (2013) who ran second in that year’s Underwood Stakes before success in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and Dear Demi (2014).
The 2023 Stocks Stakes form was franked with the runner-up Pride Of Jenni going on to complete that year’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes – Champions Mile double. She then returned in 2024 winning the All-Star Mile, running second in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, then making history with a 6.5 length success in that autumn’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) in Sydney.
Pride Of Jenni returned on Manikato Stakes Night in 2024 and won the Feehan Stakes as the odds-on favourite.
The Stocks Stakes 2024 form was franked with the winner Alsephina running a good next-up third in that spring’s Toorak Handicap.
The 2025 Stocks Stakes winner Splash Back would eventually go on to become a Group 1 winner in Brisbane’s Tatt’s Tiara the following winter. The 2025 form was further franked with the runner-up Abounding winning the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at her next start.
| 2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Sunday September 27, 2026 |
| Track: | Moonee Valley Racecourse (Caulfield Racecourse in 2026) |
| Distance: | 1600m (1514m in 2024 & 2025) |
| Conditions: | 4YO & Up Mares – Set Weights + Penalties |
| Status: | Group 2 |
| Prize Money: | $300,000 |
| Inaugurated: | 1973 |
2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Betting
The updated Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes odds 2026 provided by the race sponsor Ladbrokes will be detailed at Races.com.au complete with links to lock in your Stocks Stakes tips at the best spring racing odds online.
Amelia’s Jewel ($1.35 in 2023) was the last favourite in Stocks Stakes betting to win.
2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Form
The W.H. Stocks Stakes form guide is the key reference punters use to assess every mare contesting the 1600m Group 2 set weights + penalties feature, which in 2026 moves to Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment. The guide outlines each runner’s recent form, mile credentials, track suitability, fitness profile, and how they measure up under the unique SW+P conditions that reward proven class while still giving emerging mares a chance to progress. As one of the first major mares’ mile races of the spring, the Stocks Stakes form guide helps punters identify which runners are ready to peak and which are building toward bigger Group 1 targets.
What punters should look for in the Stocks Stakes form guide:
- Set weights + penalties profile — Understanding how each mare is treated under SW+P conditions is crucial. Classier mares often carry extra penalties, while lightly raced improvers can gain a tactical advantage.
- Caulfield track suitability — Mares with tactical speed, balance around Caulfield’s sweeping turns, and a sharp turn of foot typically profile well at the mile.
- Mile performance indicators — Strong 1400m–1600m form, reliable closing sectionals, and demonstrated late strength are key markers of a mare ready for this race.
- Speed map positioning — On pacers and mares capable of settling in the first half of the field are usually advantaged. Backmarkers need a genuine tempo to feature.
- Fitness progression — Many Stocks Stakes winners peak second-up or third-up. Punters should assess whether each mare is ready to elevate.
- Stable & jockey factors — Leading mares’ stables often target this race early in the spring. Key rider changes can influence tempo, positioning, and confidence.
FULL 2026 LADBROKES STOCKS STAKES 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 Caulfield?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in the Stocks Stakes?
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 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Field
The WH Stocks Stakes field attracts a quality line-up of mares each spring that may have had a lead-up in a race like the Let’s Elope Stakes, the double most recently achieved in 2023 by Amelia’s Jewel.
In 2013 Atlantic Jewel won the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) before her success in the Stocks Stakes, a feat also achieved in 2011 by King’s Rose.
The official 2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Final Field & Barriers will be available below once acceptances are taken the Wednesday of race week.
The Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes 2026 field features a quality line-up of potential Empire Rose Stakes-bound mares including the flying Changing Colours up in grade chasing a fourth win on the trot and the widely drawn Too Darn Discreet coming off a narrow Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes second at blowout odds.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Sass Appeal
J: Damian Lane
T: Danny O’brien |
11×144 | M | 2 | 58kg | |
|
2. Too Darn Discreet
J: Declan Bates
T: Dan O’sullivan |
5011×2 | M | 9 | 56kg | |
|
3. Private Legacy
J: Ben Melham
T: Gregory Hickman |
lx901x | M | 5 | 56kg | |
|
4. Sea What I See
J: Craig Williams
T: Danny O’brien |
3243×9 | M | 6 | 55kg | |
|
5. Changing Colours
J: Blake Shinn
T: Lucy Yeomans |
7×4111 | M | 8 | 55kg | |
|
6. After Summer
J: Billy Egan
T: Dominic Sutton |
x6230x | M | 4 | 55kg | |
| 7. Astral Flame (1) Scratched: | |||||
| 8. Perfect Ten (2) Scratched: | |||||
| 9. Gold Medallist (12) Scratched: | |||||
|
10. Glasgow Lass
J: Daniel Stackhouse
T: Matt Laurie |
x0x352 | M | 1 | 55kg | |
|
11. Charisse
J: Patrick Moloney
T: Gerard Moloney |
1247×0 | M | 7 | 55kg | |
|
12. Moonlight Circus
J: Ethan Brown
T: Michael Kent |
6x60x6 | M | 3 | 55kg | |
2026 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes Nominations
The 2026 Stocks Stakes nominations are released on the Monday leading-up to Manikato Stakes Day.
WH Stocks Stakes History
The inaugural race in 1973 was won by Mellition. It began as a principal race run over 1600m and then became a listed event in 1979. Over a decade later it was elevated to Group 3 status before finally becoming a Group 2 event in 2005. For the first seven years, the race was known as the Dallas Handicap. Then from 1980 onwards it became the W H Stocks Stakes.
Notable winners of the Stocks Stakes include Mellition (1973), Digger’s Lass (1985), Gold Lottey (2002), Atlantic Jewel (2013), I Am A Star (2017-18), and Perth raider Amelia’s Jewel (2023).
Amelia’s Jewel also set a new Stocks Stakes race record in 2023 for the 1600m saluting in a slick 1 minute 34.37 seconds.
The 2024 Stocks Stakes was run over a shorter distance of 1514m and was won by another WA-trained mare, Alsephina, in a time of 1 minute 32.33 seconds.
The 2025 Stocks Stakes took place over 1500m and saw Splash Back win in 1 minute 31.42 seconds.
In 2026 the race moved from Moonee Valley to Caulfield Racecourse.
Stocks Stakes results and winning times since 2000 are provided below.
Stocks Stakes Results
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Changing Colours | 1 minute 36.41 seconds |
| 2nd | Sass Appeal | ||
| 3rd | Too Darn Discreet | ||
| 2025 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Splash Back | 1 minute 31.42 seconds (1500m) |
| 2nd | Abounding | ||
| 3rd | Molly Bloom | ||
| 2024 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Alsephina | 1 minute 32.33 seconds (1514m) |
| 2nd | Lady Jones | ||
| 3rd | Grinzinger Belle | ||
| 2023 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Amelia’s Jewel | 1 minute 34.37 seconds (R) |
| 2nd | Pride Of Jenni | ||
| 3rd | Deny Knowledge | ||
| 2022 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Daisies | 1 minute 40.00 seconds |
| 2nd | Elusive Express | ||
| 3rd | Lady Of Honour | ||
| 2021 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | So You Assume | 1 minute 36.32 seconds |
| 2nd | Magna Bella | ||
| 3rd | Quantum Mechanic | ||
| 2020 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Mystic Journey | 1 minute 37.62 seconds |
| 2nd | Perfect Jewel | ||
| 3rd | One More Try | ||
| 2019 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Princess Jenni | 1 minute 36.32 seconds |
| 2nd | Rondinella | ||
| 3rd | Oceanex | ||
| 2018 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | I Am A Star | 1 minute 37.34 seconds |
| 2nd | Mrs Gardenia | ||
| 3rd | Samovare | ||
| 2017 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | I Am A Star | 1 minute 37.31 seconds |
| 2nd | Flying Jess | ||
| 3rd | Hell Or Highwater | ||
| 2016 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Don’t Doubt Mamma | 1 minute 38.74 seconds |
| 2nd | Kaniana | ||
| 3rd | Miss Rose De Lago | ||
| 2015 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Fenway | 1 minute 34.98 seconds |
| 2nd | May’s Dream | ||
| 3rd | Scratchy Bottom | ||
| 2014 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Dear Demi | 1 minute 37.82 seconds |
| 2nd | Solicit | ||
| 3rd | Commanding Jewel | ||
| 2013 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Atlantic Jewel | 1 minute 36.88 seconds |
| 2nd | Oasis Bloom | ||
| 3rd | Oriental Ruby | ||
| 2012 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Oasis Bloom | 1 minute 36.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Spirit Song | ||
| 3rd | Chateau Margaux | ||
| 2011 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | King’s Rose | 1 minute 37.0 seconds |
| 2nd | Pinker Pinker | ||
| 3rd | Lady Lynette | ||
| 2010 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Avienus | 1 minute 38.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Belscenica | ||
| 3rd | Lady Lynette | ||
| 2009 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Zarita | 1 minute 37 seconds |
| 2nd | Cats Whisker | ||
| 3rd | Soul Diva | ||
| 2008 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Tuesday Joy | 1 minute 36.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Devil Moon | ||
| 3rd | Bird Of Fire | ||
| 2007 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Devil Moon | 1 minute 36.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Brom Felinity | ||
| 3rd | Hidden Strings | ||
| 2006 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Astrodame | 1 minute 36.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Brockman’s Lass | ||
| 3rd | Belle Bizaare | ||
| 2005 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Flowerdrum | 1 minute 38.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Honest Politician | ||
| 3rd | Taken | ||
| 2004 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | She’s Archie | 1 minute 41.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Annie La Vie | ||
| 3rd | Zumanity | ||
| 2003 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Sunday Joy | 1 minute 36.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Liberty Rose | ||
| 3rd | Monde Special | ||
| 2002 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Gold Lottey | 1 minute 38.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Tyrolean | ||
| 3rd | Visage | ||
| 2001 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Lady Marion | 1 minute 38.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Tickle My | ||
| 3rd | Tyrolean | ||
| 2000 W H Stocks Stakes | 1st | Hula Wonder | 1 minute 38.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Camarena | ||
| 3rd | Mrs Bentley | ||
W.H. Stocks Stakes FAQs
What is the W.H. Stocks Stakes?
The W.H. Stocks Stakes is a Group 2 mares’ race run under set weights + penalties over 1600m. Traditionally held at Moonee Valley, the 2026 edition moves to Caulfield Racecourse due to redevelopment works.
When is the Stocks Stakes held?
In 2026, the Stocks Stakes will be run on Sunday the 27th of September at Caulfield, forming part of Melbourne’s early spring racing schedule.
What distance is the Stocks Stakes?
The race is contested over 1600 metres, offering a genuine early season mile test for top-class mares.
Who can run in the Stocks Stakes?
The event is open to mares aged four and above under set weights + penalties, attracting proven Group performers and emerging middle-distance talents.
What type of race is the Stocks Stakes?
It is a Group 2 set weights + penalties contest, often used as a stepping-stone toward elite mares’ mile races later in the spring.
Where is the Stocks Stakes held?
With Moonee Valley closed for redevelopment, the 2026 Stocks Stakes will be staged at Caulfield Racecourse.
Why is the Stocks Stakes important?
The race is a key early spring indicator for mares heading toward major Group 1 targets such as the Empire Rose Stakes and other feature mile events.
What are common lead-up races to the Stocks Stakes?
Typical lead-ups include mares’ 1400m–1600m spring races such as the Let’s Elope Stakes and other set weights or WFA contests.
Where can I find Stocks Stakes tips?
Expert selections and betting insights are available in our Stocks Stakes tips section higher up on this page as well as over on the Ladbrokes Racing Blog.
Where can I see Stocks Stakes results?
Full finishing order, margins, times, and replay information can be found in our Stocks Stakes results hub at the top of this page post-race.
next to go
