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The 2026 Naturalism Stakes ran on Saturday, September 19, 2026 as a Caulfield Cup lead-up and saw trainer Ciaron Maher take out the quinella with race favourite Zahrann ($3.20F) saluting by a length over stablemate Saint George and both booking a Spring Cups’ bid.  

The Naturalism Stakes 2026 is one of the most influential Group 3 staying races of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Run over 2000 metres at Caulfield, the Naturalism Stakes regularly shapes the Caulfield Cup picture, with the winner earning ballot-exemption into the $6.55 million feature. Each year the race attracts a mix of proven stayers, emerging spring contenders and horses building fitness towards major targets, making the Naturalism Stakes a crucial form reference for punters tracking the staying ranks.

2026 Naturalism Stakes Results

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Naturalism Stakes results and finishing order including which horse could have booked a Caulfield Cup ticket!

Winning Margin: 1 length

Winning Time: 2:02.27

The 2026 Naturalism Stakes results at Caulfield cemented Zahrann ($3.20 favourite) as a leading Caulfield Cup contender, with the Ciaron Maher-trained Irish import producing a polished staying display under Ethan Brown to defeat stablemate Saint George ($3.60) by a length, while Asterix ($26) finished third. The victory secured Zahrann a coveted ballot exemption into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 and continued the gelding’s rapid rise in Australia, with Maher confirming both Zahrann and Saint George are now on track for the Melbourne spring feature. Brown praised the lightly raced stayer’s quality and acceleration, describing him as a horse that “gets you excited”, while bookmakers reacted swiftly by slashing Zahrann’s Caulfield Cup odds from $26 into $5 favouritism as he looks to emulate Half Yours’ 2025 Naturalism Stakes-Caulfield Cup double. Runner-up Saint George also enhanced his Cup credentials, firming dramatically at Ladbrokes from $34 into $9 to sit on the second line of betting after another brave performance for the dominant Maher stable.

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2026 Naturalism Stakes Odds & Finishing Order

See below for the latest Naturalism Stakes 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.

2026 Naturalism Stakes Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Naturalism Stakes 2026 tips on the Caulfield Cup lead-up this spring.

Favourite: No. 14 Zahrann

Each Way Danger: No. 11 Deakin

Best Roughie: No. 12 Strictly Business

The Naturalism Stakes – recently known as the MRC Foundation Cup – is a Group 3 staying event held during September each year as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The Naturalism Stakes draws considerable attention from both punters and trainers due to it offering the winner a ballot exemption for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) a month later.

Raced over 2000m, the Naturalism Stakes provides horses with a good opportunity mid-campaign to adjust their distance. The Naturalism Stakes has in the past been used by milers who are keen to step up in distance, while it is also regularly targeted by top class stayers kicking off their spring preps.

Run under open quality handicap conditions, the $200,000 Naturalism Stakes attracts plenty talent and is now part of the support card on Underwood Stakes Day. The two other Group status races on the program include the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) for Cox Plate types, the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) for the Caulfield Guineas-bound three-year-olds and the fillies’ equivalent the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m).

The Naturalism Stakes acts as an effective lead-up race to many major events such as the mile and a half classic, the Caulfield Cup, and Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) run at weight-for-age at Moonee Valley the weekend after Caulfield Cup Day.

The latest runners to complete the Naturalism Stakes – Caulfield Cup double are the classy mare Jameka (2016) and Half Yours (2025).

The 2021 Naturalism Stakes form was franked with the winner Nonconformist going on to run second in both the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes and Caulfield Cup results that spring.

In 2022 the Naturalism Stakes winner Smokin’ Romans franked the form winning the Turnbull Stakes next start, while the third placed Gold Trip went on to salute in that year’s Melbourne Cup race on the first Tuesday of November.

Half Yours (2025) not only won the Naturalism that year but also went on to become the 13th horse in history to do the coveted Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double!

Naturalism Stakes
Date:	Saturday, September 19, 2026
Track:	Caulfield Racecourse
Distance:	2000m
Race Type:	Open Quality
Status:	Group 3
Prize Money:	$200,000

2026 Naturalism Stakes Betting

The updated Naturalism Stakes 2026 odds and betting links to Ladbrokes will be provided at Races.com.au the week of the race.

Orderofthegarter ($2.90 in 2020), Nonconformist ($4.40 in 2021), Half Yours ($2.60 in 2025) and Zahrann ($3.20 in 2026) are the latest favourites in Naturalism Stakes betting to salute for the punters.

There was a notable upset in 2023 with the previous year’s runner-up Uncle Bryn winning at Naturalism Stakes odds of $26 and again in 2024 with smart mare Positivity ($16).

2026 Naturalism Stakes Form

The Naturalism Stakes form guide is the key resource punters use to assess every runner lining up in Caulfield’s important Group 3 2000m spring qualifier. It breaks down each horse’s recent runs, staying credentials, racing pattern, and suitability to the Caulfield track — helping punters identify which gallopers are ready to peak, which are building fitness, and which are genuine Caulfield Cup contenders. Because the Naturalism Stakes offers ballot-exemption into the Caulfield Cup, the form guide is one of the most valuable tools for understanding how the staying ranks are shaping heading into the major spring features.

What Punters Should Look for on the Naturalism Stakes Form Guide:

• Lead-up staying form — Horses progressing through races like the Heatherlie Stakes, Feehan Stakes or early spring WFA events often bring the strongest profiles.
• 2000m suitability — Proven strength at 1800–2000m or strong late sectionals over shorter trips signal a horse ready for the Naturalism test.
• Caulfield track pattern — Caulfield rewards tactical speed and balance around the home bend; on-pacers often gain an advantage.
• Spring progression — Many stayers improve sharply second-up and third-up; punters should identify those trending upwards.
• Barrier & race map — Inside draws help on-pacers control the tempo, while backmarkers need a gate that allows clean air and momentum.
• Sectional strength — Strong closing splits in lead-ups are a major indicator of a horse ready to peak at 2000m.
• Stable intent — Top staying yards often target this race deliberately with their Caulfield Cup hopefuls.
• Gear changes — Blinkers on, tongue ties or other adjustments can sharpen performance and signal stable confidence.

FULL 2026 NATURALISM STAKES FORM GUIDE

2026 Naturalism Stakes Field

The Naturalism Stakes field of final acceptances are released on the Wednesday leading up to Naturalism Stakes Day at Caulfield Racecourse and traditionally attracts a capacity 16-starter line-up of Caulfield Cup-bound horses.

Horse may come into the Naturalism Stakes field via a number of different spring lead-up races including the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) run over the mile at Moonee Valley a fortnight earlier.

The official 2026 Naturalism Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw will be published below as soon as released by Racing Victoria.

The Naturalism Stakes 2026 field features a capacity line-up of Caulfield Cup hopefuls led in betting by the early Ciaron Maher-trained market mover Zahrann coming off a close fourth fresh in the Listed Heatherlie Handicap.

2026 Naturalism Stakes Nominations

Nominations for the Naturalism Stakes in 2026 close the Monday leading-up to Underwood Stakes Day and will be published for punters below as soon as announced.

Naturalism Stakes History

Inaugurated in 1983, the Naturalism Stakes has become a key early form race to follow for Caulfield Cup horses during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

At its inception, the Naturalism Stakes was a Listed event. In 2009 it received an upgrade to Group 3 status and has retained that ever since.

Notable Naturalism Stakes winners include Celestial Show (2000), Zipping (2006), Mr O’Ceirin (2013), Jameka (2016) who went on to win that season’s Caulfield Cup, and the subsequent Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double champion Half Yours (2025).

Naturalism Stakes results since 2000 are listed below.

From 2014 – 2024 the event ran as the MRC Foundation Cup.

Naturalism Stakes Results

Year	Place	Horse	Time
2026 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Zahrann	2 minutes 02.27 seconds
	2nd	Saint George
	3rd	Asterix
2025 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Half Yours	2 minutes 01.12 seconds
	2nd	Berkshire Breeze
	3rd	Grand Pierro
2024 MRC Foundation Cup	1st	Positivity	2 minutes 03.67 seconds
	2nd	Future History
	3rd	Gear Up
2023 MRC Foundation Cup	1st	Uncle Bryn	2 minutes 00.74 seconds
	2nd	Floating Artist
	3rd	Alaskan God
2022 Naturalism Stakes (Run as the MRC Foundation Cup)	1st	Smokin’ Romans	2 minutes 08.53 seconds
	2nd	Uncle Bryn
	3rd	Gold Trip
2021 Naturalism Stakes (Run as the MRC Foundation Cup)	1st	Nonconformist	2 minutes 01.80 seconds
	2nd	Delphi
	3rd	Tralee Rose
2020 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Orderofthegarter	2 minutes 01.86 seconds
	2nd	Chapada
	3rd	Steel Prince
2019 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Brimham Rocks	2 minutes 2.39 seconds
	2nd	So You Win
	3rd	Sikandarabad
2018 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Night’s Watch	2 minutes 2.19 seconds
	2nd	Rising Red
	3rd	Odeon
2017 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Harlem	2 minutes 0.43 seconds
	2nd	Samovare
	3rd	Stampede
2016 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Jameka	2 minutes 3.9 seconds
	2nd	Gallante
	3rd	Berisha
2015 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Magnapal	2 minutes 2.7 seconds
	2nd	The United States
	3rd	Genuine Lad
2014 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Gris Caro	2 minutes 2.7 seconds
	2nd	Entirely Platinum
	3rd	Bonfire
2013 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Mr O’Ceirin	2 minutes 7.2 seconds
	2nd	Kesampour
	3rd	Bit Of Hell
2012 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Folding Gear	2 minutes 3.1 seconds
	2nd	Mr O’Ceirin
	3rd	Exceptionally
2011 Naturalism Stakes	1st	December Draw	2 minutes 2.2 seconds
	2nd	At First Sight
	3rd	Lucky Eighty Eight
2010 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Rainbow Styling	2 minutes 1.6 seconds
	2nd	Valdemoro
	3rd	Moudre
2009 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Red Lord	2 minutes 4.0 seconds
	2nd	Light Vision
	3rd	Majestical
2008 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Zagreb	2 minutes 3.7 seconds
	2nd	Light Vision
	3rd	Baughurst
2007 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Douro Valley	2 minutes 1.3 seconds
	2nd	Maldivian
	3rd	Dolphin Jo
2006 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Zipping	2 minutes 1.8 seconds
	2nd	Show Barry
	3rd	Growl
2005 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Sarrera	2 minutes 6.9 seconds
	2nd	Emerald Jack
	3rd	Swift Tango
2004 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Confectioner	2 minutes 5.1 seconds
	2nd	Evil Master
	3rd	Devastating
2003 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Rose Archway	2 minutes 3.5 seconds
	2nd	Another Warrior
	3rd	Vicksburg
2002 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Pentastic	2 minutes 3.0 seconds
	2nd	Spirit Of Westbury
	3rd	Thong Classic
2001 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Inaflury	2 minutes 2.0 seconds
	2nd	Celestial Show
	3rd	Natch
2000 Naturalism Stakes	1st	Celestial Show	2 minutes 2.1 seconds
	2nd	Ancient City
	3rd	Prince Iluka

Naturalism Stakes FAQs

What is the Naturalism Stakes?
The Naturalism Stakes is a Group 3 2000m spring feature run at Caulfield, acting as a crucial qualifier for the Caulfield Cup with the winner earning ballot-exemption.

When is the Naturalism Stakes held?
The race is staged in September, forming a key part of Melbourne’s early spring staying program. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday the 19th of September.

Where is the Naturalism Stakes run?
The event is run at Caulfield Racecourse, a track known for rewarding tactical speed and balance around the home bend.

What distance is the Naturalism Stakes?
The race is contested over 2000 metres, providing a strong test of stamina, tempo and spring progression.

How many horses run in the Naturalism Stakes?
The Naturalism Stakes typically attracts a capacity field of 16 runners, ensuring a deep and competitive staying contest.

What type of horses contest the Naturalism Stakes?
Proven stayers, emerging spring contenders and horses building fitness towards major targets like the Caulfield Cup.

What are the key lead-up races?
The Heatherlie Stakes, Feehan Stakes, and early spring WFA staying races provide the strongest form references.

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

Is the Naturalism Stakes a good betting race?
Yes — the Naturalism Stakes is a popular betting race thanks to its strong formlines, reliable staying trends and its direct link to the Caulfield Cup.