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Ethereal Stakes News
The 2026 edition of the Ethereal Stakes ran on Saturday October 17, 2026 as part of a bumper Caulfield Cup Day program for VRC Oaks-bound fillies and was won in an eye-catching half-length upset by the progressive Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Grunt filly Quick Finish ($15).Â
The Ethereal Stakes 2026 is one of the premier spring features for three-year-old fillies, providing an important stepping-stone towards the season’s major staying classics. Run over 2000 metres at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, the Group 3 contest attracts a talented field of emerging fillies looking to showcase their stamina and secure valuable black-type success. The race has established a strong reputation for producing future stars and leading contenders for races such as the VRC Oaks. At Races.com.au, punters can stay up to date with the latest Ethereal Stakes odds 2026, field announcements, form analysis, and expert Ethereal Stakes betting 2026 tips as the next generation of staying fillies compete for one of the most sought-after prizes on the road to the spring carnival’s elite fillies’ races.
2026 Ethereal Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Ethereal Stakes results and finishing order this Caulfield Cup Day and to see what fillies may be VRC Oaks bound.
- #4 Quick Finish
- #5 Your Colour
- #9 Refuse To Curtsy
Winning Margin: 0.5 lengths
Winning Time: 2:03.39
The 2026 Ethereal Stakes results saw emerging filly Quick Finish ($15) stamp herself as a leading VRC Oaks contender with a brave front-running victory in the Group 3 2000m feature at Caulfield on Saturday. The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained daughter of Grunt continued her meteoric rise from Ballarat Synthetic maiden company, with Jye McNeil controlling the race from the front before holding off a fast-finishing Your Colour by half a length, while Refuse To Curtsy was another half-length away in third. The performance confirmed Quick Finish’s staying credentials ahead of Flemington’s 2500m Oaks, with the filly now winning three of her four starts and firming sharply from $26 into $9 in VRC Oaks 2026 betting at Ladbrokes. The Oaks market was also heavily influenced by the race, with runner-up Your Colour shortening from $15 to $6 and third-placed Refuse To Curtsy improving from $34 to $11, further strengthening the Ethereal Stakes’ reputation as one of the premier lead-up races to the spring fillies’ classic.
Click here for the full story.
2026 Ethereal Stakes Race Replay
2026 Ethereal Stakes Odds & Finishing Order
See below for the latest Ethereal Stakes 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.
| 4. Quick Finish (6) J: Jye Mcneil 56kg 511 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | ||
| 5. Your Colour (11) J: Blake Shinn 56kg x4013 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 9. Refuse To Curtsy (7) J: John Allen 56kg 70×41 T: Thomas Carberry | ||
| 10. Tharwa (12) J: Damian Lane 56kg 432 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 8. Fringilla (3) J: Ethan Brown 56kg 621 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 7. Autumn In Grinzing (4) J: Mark Zahra 56kg 9×174 T: Danny O’brien | ||
| 1. Voynichese (5) J: Lachlan Neindorf 57kg 17×87 T: Nick Olive | ||
| 6. Notified (10) J: Jordan Childs 56kg 51248 T: Archie Alexander | ||
| 11. Shameful Impulse (9) J: William Pike 56kg 513 T: Rob Blacker | ||
| 14. Levate (14) J: Jamie Spencer 56kg 7×52 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 2. Miss Waititi (2) J: Craig Williams 57kg 6×31 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 13. Abaya (1) J: Michael Dee 56kg 347 T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | ||
| 3. Leopard Shark (8) J: Rachel King 56kg x2886 T: Clayton Douglas | ||
| 12. Oceans Fouroseven (13) J: Harry Coffey 56kg 519 T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin |
2026 Ethereal Stakes Tips
Stay tuned for our exclusive Ethereal Stakes 2026 Tips on the Caulfield Cup Day support act this spring.
Favourite: No. 2 Miss Waititi
| 2. Miss Waititi (2) J: Craig Williams 57kg 6×31 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
Each Way Danger: No. 8 Fringilla
| 8. Fringilla (3) J: Ethan Brown 56kg 621 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
Best Roughie: No. 4 Quick Finish
| 4. Quick Finish (6) J: Jye Mcneil 56kg 511 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
Named in honour of the 2011 Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double winning mare Ethereal, the race is open only to three-year-old fillies and takes place at set weights plus penalties.
Offering $240,000, the Ethereal Stakes is a traditional lead-up into the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) held the following month at Flemington during the coveted four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Pinot (2017) was the last filly to complete the Ethereal Stakes – VRC Oaks double, while the year before the Ethereal Stakes winner Eleonora (2016) ran third in the VRC Oaks (then Crown Oaks) next start.
The 2021 Ethereal Stakes form was franked with the runner-up Glint Of Hope going on to win the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide the following autumn. Biscayne Bay meanwhile ran third in both the 2021 Ethereal Stakes and VRC Oaks results that spring.
The 2022 Ethereal Stakes third placegetter Pavitra franked the form going on to run second in that spring’s Wakeful Stakes and VRC Oaks results, before also returning in the autumn of 2023 for a second in Sydney’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
The 2023 Ethereal Stakes form was franked with the winner Autumn Angel returning the following autumn to claim the Group 1 ATC Oaks in 2024. The Ethereal runner-up that year, Tropical Squall, meanwhile went on to win the Group 1 Surround Stakes the following year.
The Ethereal Stakes third placegetter from 2024, Femminile, franked the form going on to win the Group 1 SA Derby the following May.
In 2025, After Summer ran third in both the Ethereal and VRC Oaks trifectas. She further franked the form the following autumn placing in more Group 1 features for fillies when 2nd in Sydney’s Vinery Stud Stakes and 3rd in the 2026 ATC Oaks results.
| Ethereal Stakes 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 17, 2026 |
| Track: | Caulfield Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2000m |
| Race Type: | 3YOs Fillies – Set Weights + Penalties |
| Status: | Group 3 |
| Prize Money: | $240,000 |
2026 Ethereal Stakes Betting
Betting on the Ethereal Stakes 2026 opens the week of the race with all-in markets available at Ladbrokes as soon as the nominations are taken.
The latest Ethereal Stakes odds on the Oaks-bound fillies will be provided below as soon as released.
Verry Elleegant ($2.35 in 2018) and Too Darn Discreet ($3.90 in 2024) are the latest favourites in Ethereal Stakes betting to salute for the punters.
2026 Ethereal Stakes Form Guide
The Ethereal Stakes form guide is a valuable resource for punters analysing one of the leading staying races for three-year-old fillies during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Run over 2000 metres at Caulfield Racecourse, the Group 3 feature is an important lead-up to the VRC Oaks, attracting progressive fillies aiming to prove their stamina and black-type credentials. The form guide provides detailed information on each runner, including recent performances, barrier draws, weights, jockey and trainer combinations, track and distance statistics, breeding, and betting market movements. By studying the Ethereal Stakes form guide, punters can identify the fillies best suited to the staying trip and assess which runners are likely to improve as the distances increase throughout the spring.
What Punters Should Look for in the Ethereal Stakes Form Guide:
- 2000m form – Fillies with proven form at or beyond 2000m often have a significant advantage in this staying contest.
- Lead-up race performances – Strong runs in key spring fillies’ races can provide excellent form references heading into the Ethereal Stakes.
- Staying pedigree – As many runners are stepping into unfamiliar territory distance-wise, breeding can be a valuable indicator of stamina potential.
- Progressive profiles – The race is often won by improving fillies that continue to elevate their performances with each run.
- Caulfield track record – Previous experience and success at Caulfield can be a major advantage, particularly around the tight-turning circuit.
- Barrier draw – A favourable gate can help runners secure economical runs and settle comfortably over the middle-distance trip.
- Fitness and preparation – Fillies that are third-up or fourth-up in their spring campaign are often nearing peak fitness.
- Track conditions – Assess whether runners have proven themselves on firm, soft, or rain-affected ground.
- Trainer and jockey combinations – Leading stables frequently target the race with Oaks-bound fillies, making trainer intent an important factor.
- Sectional times and finishing strength – Look for fillies capable of sustaining a strong finishing effort, a key attribute in staying races.
- VRC Oaks aspirations – Many Ethereal Stakes runners are being set for the Oaks, so identifying horses likely to appreciate further distance is crucial.
FULL 2026 ETHEREAL 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 Ethereal 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 Ethereal Stakes Field
The official Ethereal Stakes 2026 Field & Barriers are announced the Wednesday leading-up to the Caulfield Cup.
The 2026 Ethereal Stakes final field features a quality line-up of VRC Oaks types led in betting by the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained Miss Waititi coming off a big Listed Super Impose win in the wet over the boys at Flemington.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Voynichese
J: Lachlan Neindorf
T: Nick Olive |
117×87 | F | 5 | 57kg | |
|
2. Miss Waititi
J: Craig Williams
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
6×31 | F | 2 | 57kg | |
|
3. Leopard Shark
J: Rachel King
T: Clayton Douglas |
8×2886 | F | 8 | 56kg | |
|
4. Quick Finish
J: Jye Mcneil
T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
511 | F | 6 | 56kg | |
|
5. Your Colour
J: Blake Shinn
T: Chris Waller |
6×4013 | F | 11 | 56kg | |
|
6. Notified
J: Jordan Childs
T: Archie Alexander |
51248 | F | 10 | 56kg | |
|
7. Autumn In Grinzing
J: Mark Zahra
T: Danny O’brien |
9×174 | F | 4 | 56kg | |
|
8. Fringilla
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
621 | F | 3 | 56kg | |
|
9. Refuse To Curtsy
J: John Allen
T: Thomas Carberry |
70×41 | F | 7 | 56kg | |
|
10. Tharwa
J: Damian Lane
T: Chris Waller |
432 | F | 12 | 56kg | |
|
11. Shameful Impulse
J: William Pike
T: Rob Blacker |
513 | F | 9 | 56kg | |
|
12. Oceans Fouroseven
J: Harry Coffey
T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin |
519 | F | 13 | 56kg | |
|
13. Abaya
J: Michael Dee
T: Anthony & Sam Freedman |
347 | F | 1 | 56kg | |
|
14. Levate
J: Jamie Spencer
T: Ciaron Maher |
7×52 | F | 14 | 56kg | |
| 15. Tears Of Happiness (9) Scratched: | |||||
2026 Ethereal Stakes Nominations
Early nominations for the Ethereal Stakes in 2026 are confirmed on the Monday leading-up to the race.
Ethereal Stakes History
The Ethereal Stakes was first conducted in 2000 making it one of the newer editions to the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
The event has gone by many names due to sponsorship purposes including its inaugural title – the Foster’s Light Ice Handicap. Originally it was a handicap race, but it is now a set weights plus penalties feature.
The Ethereal Stakes became a key VRC Oaks lead-up when upgraded to Group 3 status in 2015. It has been won by many quality fillies including Set Square (2014), that year’s VRC Oaks winner Pinot (2017) and the Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant (2018).
Ethereal Stakes results since the upgrade to Group 3 status are listed below.
Ethereal Stakes Results
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Quick Finish | 2 minutes 03.39 seconds |
| 2nd | Your Colour | ||
| 3rd | Refuse To Curtsy | ||
| 2025 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Spicy Lu | 2 minutes 05.10 seconds |
| 2nd | Just A Journey | ||
| 3rd | After Summer | ||
| 2024 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Too Darn Discreet | 2 minutes 07.84 seconds |
| 2nd | Jenni’s Meadow | ||
| 3rd | Femminile | ||
| 2023 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Autumn Angel | 2 minutes 03.43 seconds |
| 2nd | Tropical Squall | ||
| 3rd | Basilinna | ||
| 2022 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Renaissance Woman | 2 minutes 07.43 seconds |
| 2nd | Foxy Cleopatra | ||
| 3rd | Pavitra | ||
| 2021 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Daisies | 2 minutes 06.47 seconds |
| 2nd | Glint Of Hope | ||
| 3rd | Biscayne Bay | ||
| 2020 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Chica Fuerte | 2 minutes 07.20 seconds |
| 2nd | Salto Angel | ||
| 3rd | Star Of Eden | ||
| 2019 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Gamay | 2 minutes 04.42 seconds |
| 2nd | Vegas Jewel | ||
| 3rd | Celestial Falls | ||
| 2018 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Verry Ellegant | 2 minutes 5.56 seconds |
| 2nd | Aristia | ||
| 3rd | Sizzleme | ||
| 2017 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Pinot | 2 minutes 2.71 seconds |
| 2nd | Rimraam | ||
| 3rd | Hiyaam | ||
| 2016 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Eleonora | 2 minutes 5.31 seconds |
| 2nd | Tiamo Grace | ||
| 3rd | Savvan | ||
| 2015 Ethereal Stakes | 1st | Dawnie Perfect | 2 minutes 2.79 seconds |
| 2nd | Honesta | ||
| 3rd | Ambience | ||
Ethereal Stakes FAQs
What is the Ethereal Stakes?
The Ethereal Stakes is a Group 3 race for three-year-old fillies run over 2000 metres at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Named in honour of champion mare and Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal, the race is an important black-type feature for emerging staying fillies.
When is the Ethereal Stakes held?
The Ethereal Stakes is traditionally run on Caulfield Cup Day in October as part of one of the biggest race meetings of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
What distance is the Ethereal Stakes?
The Ethereal Stakes is contested over 2000m, providing a key staying test for three-year-old fillies.
Who can compete in the Ethereal Stakes?
The race is restricted to three-year-old fillies, attracting many of Australia’s most promising young female staying prospects.
Where is the Ethereal Stakes run?
The Ethereal Stakes is held at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.
What conditions is the Ethereal Stakes run under?
The Ethereal Stakes is run under set weights plus penalties conditions, with fillies carrying allocated weights based on their age and previous black-type performances.
What is the prize money for the Ethereal Stakes?
The Ethereal Stakes offers valuable $240,000 in total prizemoney and Group 3 black-type status, making it an attractive target for owners, trainers, and breeders.
Why is the Ethereal Stakes important?
The Ethereal Stakes is regarded as a key lead-up race to the Group 1 VRC Oaks, with many fillies using the event to prove their staying credentials ahead of the classic fillies’ feature at Flemington.
What type of filly usually wins the Ethereal Stakes?
Successful Ethereal Stakes winners are typically progressive staying fillies with strong middle-distance form, stamina-rich pedigrees, and the potential to excel over longer distances later in the spring.
How many horses run in the Ethereal Stakes?
The Ethereal Stakes field is typically limited to 16 starters, with emergencies named if required. Capacity fields often create competitive betting markets and provide strong form references for future fillies’ staying races.
Where can I view the latest Ethereal Stakes odds?
Races.com.au provides links to the latest Ethereal Stakes odds from leading Australian bookmaker Ladbrokes, allowing punters to compare markets and monitor betting moves before race day.
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