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The 2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude ran on Saturday September 19, 2026 as part of Caulfield’s Underwood Stakes Day and was won in a barnstorming 2.75 length romp home by the favourite Blind Raise ($2.40F) on his way to the Group 1. 

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude 2026 is a key early spring guide to the strength of Melbourne’s three-year-old colts and geldings. Run over 1400 metres at Caulfield, the Group 3 Prelude regularly highlights emerging stars on their way to the prestigious Caulfield Guineas, making it one of the most influential form races of the carnival. With sharp form lines feeding in from Melbourne and Sydney, fast tempos, and stables targeting the race as a crucial stepping-stone to Group 1 glory, the Caulfield Guineas Prelude offers punters valuable insight into who is peaking at the right time. Here we break down the race’s importance, the type of horses it attracts, and why the Prelude is such a reliable pointer to future spring success.

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Results

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude results and finishing order on Saturday September 19, 2026 and to see what three-year-olds have the Caulfield Guineas on the radar. 

Winning Margin: 2.75 lengths

Winning Time: 1:22.50

The 2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude results on Underwood Stakes Day was dominated by exciting Kiwi-bred three-year-old Blind Raise ($2.40 favourite), who stamped himself as the leading 2026 Caulfield Guineas contender with a brilliant 2.75 length victory at Caulfield. Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young and expertly ridden by Blake Shinn, the son of Ace High overcame early pressure before producing a devastating turn of foot to defeat Tornado Valley ($19), with American Eagle ($5) a short head away in third. The emphatic Group 3 success improved Blind Raise’s record to four wins from five starts and confirmed a direct route to next month’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10, with Busuttin indicating the gelding will head straight to the feature without another run. Bookmakers were quick to react, with Ladbrokes slashing Blind Raise’s Caulfield Guineas odds from $8 into $4, elevating him to favouritism for the spring classic after one of the most dominant Guineas lead-up performances of the season.

Click here for the full story.

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Odds & Finishing Order

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

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Caulfield Guineas Prelude 2026 Tips on the important Guineas lead-up this season.

Favourite: No. 3 Blind Raise

Each Way Danger: No. 2 American Eagle

Best Roughie: No. 7 Seraphox

Run under set weights plus penalties conditions, the Caulfield Guineas Prelude is open only to three-year-old colts and geldings and serves as the major lead-up race to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) the following month.

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude offers a recently boosted $300,000 total prize money. While it is a major lead up event, participation is not requisite for acceptance into the Caulfield Guineas field and the Caulfield Guineas Prelude – Caulfield Guineas double was last achieved by Helmet (2011).

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude is currently held on Underwood Stakes Day with racing at the meeting headlined by the Group 1 $1 million Underwood Stakes (1800m) for Cox Plate types and the Group 1 $1 million Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).

The other key events on the program is the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) for Caulfield Cup-bound stayers which is currently known as the MRC Foundation Cup and the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) which is the fillies’ equivalent to the Caulfield Guineas Prelude race.

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude is considered one of the ideal preparatory races for horses taking a number of different spring routes including being freshened up and dropped down in distance for Flemington’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The 2021 Caulfield Guineas Prelude form was franked with the winner Lightsaber running fourth in that year’s Caulfield Guineas results before returning the following autumn to run second in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) in 2022.

In 2023 the Caulfield Guineas Prelude winner, Steparty, went on to place third in that year’s Caulfield Guineas trifecta. The form was further franked with the Prelude runner-up, Southport Tycoon, returning the following autumn to win the 2024 Group 1 Australian Guineas.

In 2025 the Caulfield Guineas form was franked by the third placed Planet Red who went on to run in the money in a host of Group status races including the Caulfield Guineas (2nd) and the next autumn’s Australian Guineas (2nd).

Caulfield Guineas Prelude
Date:	Saturday September 19, 2026
Track:	Caulfield Racecourse
Distance:	1400m
Conditions:	3YO C&G SW+P
Status:	Group 3
Prize Money:	$300,000
Inaugurated:	1985

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Betting 

The updated Caulfield Guineas Prelude 2026 betting odds and links to the Group 3 Caulfield racing markets online at Ladbrokes will be available at Races.com.au as soon as released.

Aft Cabin ($2.15 in 2022), Steparty ($2.60 in 2023) and Blind Raise ($2.40 in 2026) are the latest favourites in Caulfield Guineas Prelude markets to salute for the punters.

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Form

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude form guide is the detailed race breakdown punters use to assess every colt and gelding heading into Caulfield’s key Group 3 lead-up to the Guineas. It outlines each runner’s recent performances, racing pattern, strengths, and suitability to the 1400 metre trip, giving punters a clear read on who is building towards peak form in early spring. Because the Prelude consistently produces genuine Group 1 contenders, the form guide is one of the most valuable tools for understanding which three-year-olds have the class, tactical speed and improvement curve to handle the Caulfield mile later in the carnival.

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

• Lead-up form — Look for colts progressing through races like the McNeil Stakes or Exford Plate, showing clear improvement with each run.
• 1400m suitability — Proven strength at 1200–1400m or strong late sectionals signal a horse ready for the Prelude’s testing trip.
• Caulfield track profile — Caulfield rewards tactical speed and the ability to quicken sharply around the home bend.
• Spring progression — Many Prelude runners are building towards the Caulfield Guineas; punters should identify those trending upwards.
• Barrier & race map — Inside draws and forward-mapping runners often gain a significant advantage at Caulfield.
• Stable intent — Top yards frequently target this race with their best Guineas prospects.
• Sectional times — Fast closing splits in lead-ups are a major indicator of a colt ready to peak.
• Gear changes — Blinkers on or other adjustments can sharpen a horse’s performance and signal stable confidence.

FULL 2026 CAULFIELD GUINEAS PRELUDE FORM GUIDE

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Field

Each season the Caulfield Guineas Prelude field attracts the season’s top three-year-old colts and geldings with the potential to see out the mile of the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) next-up.

The official 2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude field and barriers will be released by Racing Victoria on the Wednesday of race week and published in full below.

The Caulfield Guineas 2026 final field features a compact but class line-up of three-year-olds including the undefeated Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Group 3 HDF McNeil Stakes winner American Eagle and Blind Raise coming off a win fresh in the Listed McKenzie Stakes.

2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude Nominations

The 2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude nominations close on the Monday leading-up to Underwood Stakes Day and will be detailed right here once early entries are announced.

Caulfield Guineas Prelude History

Inaugurated in 1985, the Caulfield Guineas Prelude has experience multiple renowned horses throughout its relatively short history.

Originally held over 1200m, the Caulfield Guineas Prelude changed to 1400m from the 1991 edition onwards. A Listed race from 1985 to 2000, the 2001 Caulfield Guineas Prelude ran as a Group 3 event, a status which the race has retained since.

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude has experienced a few name changes over the years. Between 1985 and 1989 the Caulfield Guineas Prelude was named the “Show Day Stakes”. Between 1990 and 1997 the race was referred to as the JD MacDonald Stakes. For two years in 1998 and 1999 the name was shortened to the MacDonald Stakes. Since 2000, the race has been known as the Caulfield Guineas Prelude, or more simply, the Guineas Prelude.

Some of the more notable Caulfield Guineas Prelude winners include Brequillo (1985), Alfa (1996), Elvstroem (2003), Apache Cat (2005), Epaulette (2012), and Alligator Blood (2019) who won the following year’s Group 1 Australian Guineas.

Caulfield Guineas Prelude results since 2000 are listed below.

Caulfield Guineas Prelude Results

Year	Place	Horse	Time
2026 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Blind Raise	1 minute 22.50 seconds
	2nd	Tornado Valley
	3rd	American Eagle
2025 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Estremo	1 minute 24.52 seconds
	2nd	Vega For Luck
	3rd	Planet Red
2024 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Angel Capital	1 minute 23.92 seconds
	2nd	Public Attention
	3rd	Wanaruah
2023 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Steparty	1 minute 22.57 seconds
	2nd	Southport Tycoon
	3rd	Scentify
2022 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Aft Cabin	1 minute 27.67 seconds
	2nd	Meridius
	3rd	Amenable
2021 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Lightsaber	1 minute 25.14 seconds
	2nd	Brigantine
	3rd	Military Expert
2020 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Crosshaven	1 minute 25.57 seconds
	2nd	Amish Boy
	3rd	National Choice
2019 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Alligator Blood	1 minute 23.49 seconds
	2nd	Dalasan
	3rd	Groundswell
2018 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Native Soldier	1 minute 23.36 seconds
	2nd	Tavisan
	3rd	Long Leaf
2017 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Perast	1 minute 23.47 seconds
	2nd	Summer Passage
	3rd	Kementari
2016 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Sacred Elixir	1 minute 24.7 seconds
	2nd	Revolving Door
	3rd	Wazzenme
2015 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Bon Aurum	1 minute 22.67 seconds
	2nd	Tulsa
	3rd	Dal Cielo
2014 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Rich Enuff	1 minute 23.5 seconds
	2nd	Looks Like The Cat
	3rd	Awesome Rock
2013 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Eclair Big Bang	1 minute 23.3 seconds
	2nd	El Roca
	3rd	Long John
2012 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Epaulette	1 minute 24.2 seconds
	2nd	Let Go Lenni
	3rd	Awesome Bro
2011 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Helmet	1 minute 21.4 seconds
	2nd	Secret Hills
	3rd	Specter
2010 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Anacheeva	1 minute 23.1 seconds
	2nd	Toorak Toff
	3rd	Skilled
2009 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Demerit	1 minute 24.7 seconds
	2nd	Trusting
	3rd	Manhattan Rain
2008 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Fernandina	1 minute 25.4 seconds
	2nd	Time Thief
	3rd	Von Costa De Hero
2007 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Purrealist	1 minute 24.2 seconds
	2nd	Marching
	3rd	Shrewd Rhythm
2006 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Wonderful World	1 minute 24.6 seconds
	2nd	Blue Lago
	3rd	Sharkbite
2005 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Apache Cat	1 minute 27.0 seconds
	2nd	Gods Own
	3rd	Danerich
2004 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Tirade	1 minute 24.7 seconds
	2nd	Fastnet Rock
	3rd	Classiconi
2003 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Elvstroem	1 minute 22.3 seconds
	2nd	In Top Swing
	3rd	Dance Up
2002 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Great Glen	1 minute 23.2 seconds
	2nd	Titanic Jack
	3rd	Helenus
2001 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Pure Theatre	1 minute 24.2 seconds
	2nd	King Of Prussia
	3rd	North Boy
2000 Caulfield Guineas Prelude	1st	Fubu	1 minute 22.4 seconds
	2nd	Show A Heart
	3rd	Debrief

Caulfield Guineas Prelude FAQs

What is the Caulfield Guineas Prelude?
The Caulfield Guineas Prelude is a Group 3 1400m race for three-year-old colts and geldings, run at Caulfield as the key lead-up to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

When is the Caulfield Guineas Prelude held?
The race is held in September, forming a major part of Melbourne’s early spring carnival. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday the 19th of September.

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

What distance is the Caulfield Guineas Prelude?
The race is contested over 1400 metres, ideal for assessing which colts and geldings are ready to stretch out to the mile.

How many horses run in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude?
The Prelude generally attracts a capacity field of around 14 runners, ensuring a deep and competitive early spring contest.

What type of horses contest the Caulfield Guineas Prelude?
Progressive three-year-olds rising through 1200–1400m form lines, often those showing strong sectionals and clear improvement with each run.

What are the key lead-up races?
The McNeil Stakes, Exford Plate, and early spring Sydney form lines are the major references heading into the Prelude.

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

Is the Caulfield Guineas Prelude a good betting race?
Yes — the Prelude is a popular betting race thanks to strong form lines, reliable trends and its direct link to the Caulfield Guineas.