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Moonga Stakes News
The Moonga Stakes 2026 ran on Saturday October 17, 2026 as part of Caulfield Cup Day and was narrowly in a fighting two-horse finish by the Lindsay Park-trained War Machine ($3.70).Â
The Group 3 Moonga Stakes – run in 2026 as the Harry White Stakes – is a 1400m sprint held at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Contested at set weights plus penalties conditions on Caulfield Cup Day, the Group 3 contest has built a strong reputation for attracting quality gallopers capable of matching it with elite company throughout the spring. Named in honour of champion racehorse Moonga, the race regularly produces exciting finishes and serves as an important target for horses seeking valuable black-type success during one of Australia’s premier racing carnivals. At Races.com.au, punters can stay up to date with the latest Moonga Stakes odds 2026, field announcements, form analysis, and expert Moonga Stakes betting 2026 tips as the contenders battle for Group race glory at Caulfield.
2026 Moonga Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Moonga Stakes results and finishing order this Caulfield Cup Day.
- #2 War Machine
- #1 Private Eye
- #4 Hughes
Winning Margin: 0.2 lengths
Winning Time: 1:22.48
The 2026 Moonga Stakes results, run as the Group 3 Harry White Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, saw former Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine ($3.70) return to winning form with a tough head victory over race favourite Private Eye, while Hughes finished a further three-quarters of a length away in third. The six-year-old son of Harry Angel, prepared by Ben, Will & JD Hayes and expertly ridden by Mark Zahra, enjoyed a perfect run just off the speed before proving too strong late despite a determined challenge from the runner-up. Hayes said the talented gelding had endured a frustrating run of bad luck with wide draws, unsuitable tracks and multiple scratchings before finally finding the right race, adding the performance suggested the Group 1 winner was back on track for bigger assignments. Zahra also credited pre-race gear adjustments and the efforts of the barrier staff after the gelding’s recent gate issues, with War Machine beginning cleanly, securing the run of the race and digging deep to record his eighth career victory and boost his earnings beyond $3.5 million.
2026 Moonga Stakes Race Replay
2026 Moonga Stakes Odds & Finishing Order
See below for the latest Moonga Stakes 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.
| 2. War Machine (4) 59kg30×30 | ||
| 1. Private Eye (2) 59kg5×273 | ||
| 4. Hughes (8) 58.5kg7115x | ||
| 9. Amenable (9) 57kg48×34 | ||
| 5. Here To Shock (7) 58kg70×64 | ||
| 7. El Rocko (1) 58kg467×0 | ||
| 8. Cartoon Graveyard (3) 58kg0521x | ||
| 3. Willaidow (6) 58.5kg0645x | ||
| 6. Zou Sensation (5) 58kg50573 |
2026 Moonga Stakes Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Moonga Stakes 2026 Betting Tip on the Caulfield Cup Day support act this spring.
Favourite: No. 1 Private Eye
| 1. Private Eye (2) 59kg5×273 |
Each Way Danger: No. 2 War Machine
| 2. War Machine (4) 59kg30×30 |
Best Roughie: No. 4 Hughes
| 4. Hughes (8) 58.5kg7115x |
The Moonga Stakes is a race for horses aged four years and older and shares the race schedule with a host of other Black-Type features. These include the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m), Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m), and the Group 3 Caulfield Classic.
Horses contesting the Moonga Stakes field may come off a lead-up run in a race like the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) for mares at Flemington a fortnight earlier.
The Moonga Stakes serves as a nice lead-up into the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) over the Flemington mile during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Boban (2013) was the last horse to complete the double when the Group 1 was known as the Kennedy Cantala Stakes.
The 2021 Moonga Stakes form was franked with the third placegetter Justacanta winning the Group 2 Linlithgow Stakes (1200m) next start.
The 2023 Moonga Stakes winner Buffalo River returned the following autumn and franked the form with back-to-back Group 1 thirds in the 2024 CF Orr and Futurity Stakes. That year’s Moonga Stakes runner-up Climbing Star further franked the form with a subsequent Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes win in Adelaide.
The 2025 Moonga Stakes form held up later that spring with the runner-up, Warnie, going on to win the Group 2 The Damien Oliver and $1 million Supernova.
| Moonga Stakes (Harry White Stakes) | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 17, 2026 |
| Track: | Caulfield Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1400m |
| Race Type: | 4YO&UP SW+P |
| Status: | Group 3 |
| Prize Money: | $240,000 |
2026 Moonga Stakes Betting
The latest Moonga Stakes 2026 betting markets provided by Ladbrokes will be listed here at Races.com.au complete with links for you to back your Moonga Stakes Tips in at the right price as soon as released the week of the race.
Buffalo River ($2.70 in 2021) and Private Eye ($2.05 in 2025) are the latest favourites in Moonga Stakes betting to win.
Private Eye also ran in the 2026 edition as the $2.50 favourite only to go down a head to the second elect War Machine ($3.70).
2026 Moonga Stakes Form Guide
The Moonga Stakes form guide is an essential tool for punters assessing one of the key races held during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Run over 1400 metres at Caulfield Racecourse on Caulfield Cup Day, the Group 3 feature attracts a quality field of experienced milers, proven Group performers, and in-form gallopers looking to add valuable black-type success to their resume. The form guide provides detailed information on each runner, including recent race performances, barrier draws, jockey and trainer combinations, track and distance records, and current betting markets. By studying the Moonga Stakes form guide, punters can identify the horses best suited to the weight-for-age conditions and the unique challenges of the Caulfield circuit.
What Punters Should Look for in the Moonga Stakes Form Guide:
- 1400m credentials – Strong performances at or around 1400m are a key indicator of Moonga Stakes success.
- Recent Group race form – Look for runners that have been competitive in Group company leading into the race.
- Caulfield track record – Previous success at Caulfield can be a major asset, particularly over the specialist 1400m trip.
- Barrier draw – A favourable gate can help runners secure an economical position and gain an important tactical advantage.
- Current spring campaign form – Horses building fitness and consistency throughout the Melbourne Spring Carnival are often among the leading contenders.
- Track conditions – Assess whether runners have a preference for firm, soft, or rain-affected ground.
- Trainer and jockey combinations – Leading stables and top riders frequently target the Moonga Stakes with quality spring performers.
- Sectional times and finishing strength – Horses capable of producing a strong turn of foot over the final 400m are often well suited to the race.
- Mile form dropping back in distance – Many successful runners have strong 1600m credentials and appreciate the drop back to 1400m.
- Class against quality opposition – Proven form against Group-level rivals is often an important factor when separating the leading chances from the remainder of the field.
FULL 2026 MOONGA 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 Moonga 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 Moonga Stakes Field
The 2026 Moonga Stakes field and barriers are released by Racing Victoria (RV) on the Wednesday leading-up to Caulfield Cup Day and will be provided in full below once announced.
The Moonga Stakes (Harry White Stakes) 2026 final field features a quality line-up of sprinters led in betting by Joe Pride’s evergreen nine-year-old Private Eye coming off a third to gun 4YO Skyhook when giving weight away in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Private Eye
J: Blake Shinn
T: Joseph Pride |
65×273 | G | 2 | 59kg | |
|
2. War Machine
J: Mark Zahra
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
x30x30 | G | 4 | 59kg | |
|
3. Willaidow
J: Rachel King
T: Marc & Mitchell Conners |
10645x | G | 6 | 58.5kg | |
|
4. Hughes
J: Jett Stanley
T: Gavin Bedggood |
27115x | G | 8 | 58.5kg | |
|
5. Here To Shock
J: Daniel Stackhouse
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
270×64 | G | 7 | 58kg | |
|
6. Zou Sensation
J: Ben Allen
T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin |
x50573 | G | 5 | 58kg | |
|
7. El Rocko
J: John Allen
T: John Mcardle |
6467×0 | G | 1 | 58kg | |
|
8. Cartoon Graveyard
J: Craig Newitt
T: John Keys |
20521x | G | 3 | 58kg | |
|
9. Amenable
J: Michael Dee
T: Grahame Begg |
x48x34 | G | 9 | 57kg |
2026 Moonga Stakes Nominations
Early nominations for the Moonga Stakes in 2026 close the Monday of race week.
Moonga Stakes History
The Moonga Stakes was inaugurated in 1982 and has since undergone a huge amount of name changes. Initially a Principal race, the Moonga Stakes was granted Group 3 status in 1994.
The Moonga Stakes is one of those races that receives sponsorship for its name in most years. During its short history, the Moonga Stakes has been named in honour of two different racehorses, Vo Rogue and Northerly. Listed below are the various name changes the Moonga Stakes has undergone over the years.
| Period | Race Name |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Harry White Stakes |
| 2012-25 | Moonga Stakes |
| 2009-11 | Betfair Stakes |
| 2007-08 | Jayco Cup |
| 2005-06 | Harrolds 101 Stakes |
| 2004 | Melbourne Racing Club Stakes |
| 2003 | Farewell To Northerly Stakes |
| 2001-02 | Melbourne Racing Club Stakes |
| 2000 | Ansett Australia Stakes |
| 1998-99 | IGA Supermarkets Stakes |
| 1997 | Tablerite Stakes |
| 1996 | Vo Rogue Stakes |
| 1995 | Richard Ellis Plate |
| 1993-94 | The Myer Stakes |
| 1987-92 | Richard Ellis Plate |
Notable Moonga Stakes winners include Vo Rogue (1988), Rough Habit (1992), Assertive Lad (2002), Boban (2013), dual champ on non-successive years Buffalo River (2021 & 2023), and Private Eye (2025).
Buffalo River also ran a brave second at big odds in 2024 behind Mighty Ulysses.
Moonga Stakes results since 2000 are listed below.
Moonga Stakes Results
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Moonga Stakes | 1st | War Machine | 1 minute 22.48 seconds |
| 2nd | Private Eye | ||
| 3rd | Hughes | ||
| 2025 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Private Eye | 1 minute 24.15 seconds |
| 2nd | Warnie | ||
| 3rd | Steparty | ||
| 2024 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Mighty Ulysses | 1 minute 26.17 seconds |
| 2nd | Buffalo River | ||
| 3rd | Pinstriped | ||
| 2023 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Buffalo River | 1 minute 23.41 seconds |
| 2nd | Climbing Star | ||
| 3rd | Cause For Concern | ||
| 2022 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Aegon | 1 minute 25.19 seconds |
| 2nd | Bandersnatch | ||
| 3rd | Lady Of Honour | ||
| 2021 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Buffalo River | 1 minute 24.43 seconds |
| 2nd | King Magnus | ||
| 3rd | Justacanta | ||
| 2020 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Wild Planet | 1 minute 24.83 seconds |
| 2nd | Morrissy | ||
| 3rd | Fifty Stars | ||
| 2019 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Streets Of Avalon | 1 minute 23.94 seconds |
| 2nd | Variation | ||
| 3rd | Royal Meeting | ||
| 2018 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Sircconi | 1 minute 24.97 seconds |
| 2nd | Dreamforce | ||
| 3rd | Perast | ||
| 2017 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Ulmann | 1 minute 23.44 seconds |
| 2nd | Burning Front | ||
| 3rd | Echo Effect | ||
| 2016 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Voodoo Lad | 1 minute 25.54 seconds |
| 2nd | Under The Louvre | ||
| 3rd | Coronation Shallan | ||
| 2015 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Vashka | 1 minute 23.27 seconds |
| 2nd | Under The Louvre | ||
| 3rd | Coronation Shallan | ||
| 2014 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Lucky Hussler | 1 minute 23.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Under The Louvre | ||
| 3rd | Generalife | ||
| 2013 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Boban | 1 minute 23.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Strawberry Boy | ||
| 3rd | Galah | ||
| 2012 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Whateverwhenever | 1 minute 23.7 seconds |
| 2nd | King’s Rose | ||
| 3rd | McClintock | ||
| 2011 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Love Conquers All | 1 minute 21.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Albert The Fat | ||
| 3rd | Pinwheel | ||
| 2010 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Rothera | 1 minute 25.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Sniper’s Bullet | ||
| 3rd | Jungle Ruler | ||
| 2009 Moonga Stakes | 1st | McClintock | 1 minute 22.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Rightfully Yours | ||
| 3rd | Kiloton | ||
| 2008 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Royal Discretion | 1 minute 23.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Turffontein | ||
| 3rd | Stickpin | ||
| 2007 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Lord Of The Dance | 1 minute 22.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Polish Clown | ||
| 3rd | Solar Secret | ||
| 2006 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Perfectly Ready | 1 minute 22.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Live In Vain | ||
| 3rd | Caprizzi Strip | ||
| 2005 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Volitant | 1 minute 21.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Yell | ||
| 3rd | Shadow | ||
| 2004 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Amtrak | 1 minute 24.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Pink Fit | ||
| 3rd | Monahan Tweed | ||
| 2003 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Thorn Park | 1 minute 22.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Lord Volksraad | ||
| 3rd | Regal Roller | ||
| 2002 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Assertive Lad | 1 minute 22.9 seconds |
| 2nd | El Nino | ||
| 3rd | Prince Rubiton | ||
| 2001 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Flavour | 1 minute 24.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Inspire | ||
| 3rd | Make Mine Magic | ||
| 2000 Moonga Stakes | 1st | Cellar | 1 minute 21.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Hire | ||
| 3rd | Weasel Will | ||
Moonga Stakes FAQs
What is the Moonga Stakes?
The Moonga Stakes is a Group 3 set weights plus penalties race run over 1400 metres at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The race attracts a quality field of proven milers, Group performers, and in-form gallopers chasing valuable black-type success.
When is the Moonga Stakes held?
The Moonga Stakes is traditionally run on Caulfield Cup Day in October as part of one of Victoria’s biggest race meetings.
What distance is the Moonga Stakes?
The Moonga Stakes is contested over 1400m, a distance that suits horses with a combination of speed and stamina.
Where is the Moonga Stakes run?
The race is held at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.
What is the prize money for the Moonga Stakes?
The Moonga Stakes offers valuable prizemoney of $240,000 and Group 3 black-type status, helping attract a competitive field of quality performers each spring.
What type of horse usually wins the Moonga Stakes?
Successful Moonga Stakes winners are typically proven milers or middle-distance performers with strong weight-for-age credentials, quality recent form, and a good record at 1400m.
Where can I view the latest Moonga Stakes odds?
Races.com.au provides access to the latest Moonga Stakes odds from leading Australian bookmaker Ladbrokes, helping punters compare markets and monitor betting trends before race day.
What should punters look for when betting on the Moonga Stakes?
Key factors include weight-for-age form, 1400m credentials, Caulfield track statistics, recent Group race performances, barrier draws, track conditions, and current market support.
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