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Vain Stakes News
The 2026 Vain Stakes takes place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 on P.B. Lawrence Stakes Day.
The Group 3 Vain Stakes is one of Melbourne’s key early-season three-year-old sprint races, and punters can find all the latest Vain Stakes odds, Vain Stakes field updates, betting tips, and race history right here.
Run at Caulfield Racecourse, the Vain Stakes regularly launches future Group 1 stars, making it a crucial form guide for upcoming spring features. This page covers everything from Vain Stakes nominations and acceptances to betting markets, past winners, and expert insights to help you analyse the race and back a winner in one of the most influential early-spring sprints.
2026 Vain Stakes Odds
See below for the latest Vain Stakes odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this winter.
| 1. Tornado Valley (2) J: Declan Bates58kg 2268xT: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Dual acceptor. Resuming after a four-and-a-half months break. Finished off last campaign eighth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 Sires Prod April 4 over 1400m, soft track; 8 len behind Campione D’italia with 56.5kg at $10. On debut third of 9 at this track in the LR Debutant Stks October 15 over 1000m, 1.0 len behind Torture carrying 58kg at $4.40. Potentially a bit more exposed than a few rivals. | |||
| 2. Closer To Free (9) J: Mark Zahra58kg 120xT: Danny O’brien | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation second last of 16 at Rosehill in the G1 G Slipper March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 8 len behind Guest House with 56.5kg at $8. At his first start won by 1.0 len this track G3 Bd/Prel Cg February 7 over 1100m defeating Guest House carrying 57kg at $13. Classy colt who will be very hard to catch. | |||
| 3. Hard Kick (5) J: Damian Lane57kg 1×6T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Third race start. Strong on debut as favourite; won by 2.75 len in the LR Talindert Stakes at Flemington on February 14 over 1100m defeating Zambales carrying 57kg at $3. Went for a break before returning did the work up front then tired 6th of 8 at Flemington on July 18 over 1000m, slow going 5 len behind Riverina Lulu carrying 57.5kg at $2. Plain disappointing fresh but is much better than that. | |||
| 4. Big Wigs (7) J: Lachlan Neindorf56kg 221xT: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Racing first-up today. Not seen since winning by nose this track Vobis Showdown March 14 over 1200m defeating Miss Chanel with 58kg at $3.70. On debut second in a small field at Morphettville 2yo Hcp January 31 over 1050m, 2.25 len behind Ole Go carrying 59kg at $4.60. Nice type who will be running on late. | |||
| 5. Outspan (3) J: Chad Schofield56kg 1820xT: Michael Freedman | |||
| Dual acceptor. Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign tenth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 Sires Prod April 4 over 1400m, soft track; 14 len behind Campione D’italia with 56.5kg at $41. On debut fifth of 8 at Randwick 2yo Mdn January 3 over 1000m, soft track; 2.5 len behind Knightsbridge carrying 57kg at $12. Market best guide. | |||
| 6. Almontego (4) J: Michael Dee56kg 41T: Gavin Bedggood | |||
| Lining up for just third start. At very big odds at debut, 4th of 8 at Flemington on July 18 over 1000m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Riverina Lulu with 54kg at $91. Last start came from midfield and won by a head at Flemington on August 1 over 1000m defeating Santa Barbara with 55kg at $16. Has done nothing wrong but the bar will keep going up. | |||
| 7. Confederation (1) J: Ben Melham56kg 28xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign second last of 9 at Rosehill in the G2 Silver Slp February 21 over 1100m, 6 len behind Stretan Ruler carrying 56.5kg at $5. On debut second in a small field at Rosehill in the G3 Canonbury January 31 over 1100m, 1.75 len behind Hidrix carrying 55kg at $3.40. Has shown good ability, wary of top yard bringing him here. | |||
| 8. Organised Crime (6) J: Ethan Brown56kg 1T: Lloyd Kennewell | |||
| Claiming his maiden victory on debut; favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.8 len at Sale on July 26 over 1000m on a soft track defeating All That And More carrying 58kg at $2.35. Very promising, wouldn’t shock if he took a step forward. | |||
| 9. Myhro’s Ruler (8) J: Jamie Mott56kg 6×1T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First start ran last in a small field in the LR Valley Pearl (St Albans Stakes) at this track on March 21 over 1200m, 11 len behind Rich On Bubbles with 58kg at $4.80. Went for a spell before returning favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 6 len at Echuca on July 24 over 1000m in heavy going defeating Imperial Valley with 58kg at $1.80. Dominant fresh, respecting despite a sharp jump in grade. | |||
2026 Vain Stakes Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Vain Stakes 2026 Tips on the early spring lead-up this season.
To Win: No. 2 Closer To Free
CLOSER TO FREE (9) kicks off his spring in the Vain Stakes and fully warrants his spot at the top of the market, returning to Victoria where his best work has been produced. Danny O’Brien’s Street Boss colt went too hard in the Golden Slipper over-doing it on unfamiliar Sydney leg-going, but his two Melbourne runs prior tell the real story: a bold Blue Diamond Prelude win over this track and trip, knocking off future Slipper winner Guest House, followed by a gutsy runner-up finish in the Group 1 Blue Diamond behind Streisand. His lead-up work has been sharp, placing in both Flemington jump-outs with Mark Zahra sticking for raceday. Drawn out, yes, but in a small field he’ll roll forward, control the speed and make his own luck. Back at his preferred track, fitter off two strong trials and armed with elite juvenile form, Closer To Free looks primed to run them along and prove very hard to reel in.
|
2. Closer To Free (9)
J: Mark Zahra58kg
120xT: Danny O’brien
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|||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation second last of 16 at Rosehill in the G1 G Slipper March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 8 len behind Guest House with 56.5kg at $8. At his first start won by 1.0 len this track G3 Bd/Prel Cg February 7 over 1100m defeating Guest House carrying 57kg at $13. Classy colt who will be very hard to catch. | |||
The 2026 Vain Stakes is an early Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival 1100m sprint that attracts some of the best new season three-year-old colts and geldings from both local and interstate stables.
Run under set weights plus penalties conditions, the Vain Stakes often features gallopers heading towards a race like the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) back at the track in October over a mile.
Held on PB Lawrence Stakes Day, the Vain Stakes field tends to be filled out with fairly successful colts and geldings who already have decent black type experience. With a total purse of $200,000, the Group 3 race is the male equivalent of the fillies-only Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) held at the same meeting for Thousand Guineas hopes.
Horses that end up in the Vain Stakes field tend to race first-up or come via smaller, unlisted events as part of their pre-warm up. Because there are such a considerable number of entrants who are first or second up, the Vain Stakes results can often be difficult to predict, as most horses are not in full form. Those runners that see success in the Vain Stakes results are likely to contest later events such as the Group 3 HDF McNeil Stakes or the Group 2 Danehill Stakes.
Giga Kick (2022) was the latest horse to complete the Vain Stakes – Danehill Stakes double.
Due to the high-quality nature of the Vain Stakes field, you’ll often see horses continue on to compete in the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The 2019 Vain Stakes winner Bivouac went on to win Sydney’s Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) later that season and ran second in Flemington’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m). He also followed the following autumn and won the 2020 Newmarket Handicap at elite level.
Sepoy (2011) was the last horse to complete the Vain Stakes – Coolmore Stud Stakes double.
The form out of the 2021 Vain Stakes was franked with the winner Ingratiating going on to run third in that year’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) against the older horses.
The 2022 Vain Stakes winner Giga Kick went on to make history winning the then $15 million The Everest (1200m) in an upset at 20/1 over the older horses just two starts later in Sydney.
Giga Kick would further frank the Vain Stakes form winning a number of Group 1 races the following year including the 2023 All Aged Stakes in Sydney and Brisbane’s Doomben 10,000.
The 2023 Vain Stakes form was franked with the winner, Cylinder, taking out Sydney’s Group 2 Run To The Rose at his next start before a third in that year’s Golden Rose trifecta. He was also competitive when fifth in that year’s The Everest results and returned in the autumn to win Flemington’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap down the ‘Straight Six’ in 2024.
| Vain Stakes | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| Track: | Caulfield Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1100m |
| Race Type: | 3YO C&G SWP |
| Status: | Group 3 |
| Prize Money: | $200,000 |
2026 Vain Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Vain Stakes results and finishing order for the early spring sprint race in Melbourne.
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Winning Margin: TBD
Winning Time: TBD
2026 Vain Stakes Betting
Betting on the Vain Stakes 2026 will be available here at Races.com.au with market links to Ladbrokes.com.au once Racing Victoria announce the final field.
Cylinder ($1.50 in 2023) and Jimmy Recard ($3.60 in 2025) were the latest favourites in Vain Stakes betting to win.
2026 Vain Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Track the big money Vain Stakes bets on this weekend’s Group 3 Caulfield showdown right here!
2026 Vain Stakes Form
The Vain Stakes form guide gives punters a detailed look at every runner’s previous starts, trial form, sectionals, pedigree, trainer patterns, and early-spring fitness heading into the Group 3 Vain Stakes at Caulfield. Because it’s one of the first major three-year-old sprints of the season, the form guide often highlights future Group 1 performers and provides a crucial read on horses resuming from winter breaks. It’s used to compare Vain Stakes odds, map race tempo, and identify value runners before markets move.
What to Look for in the Vain Stakes Form Guide:
- First-up records — Many runners resume here; strong fresh stats matter.
- Trial form — Look for sharp, controlled trials rather than flashy wins.
- Speed map — The Vain Stakes is often run at a genuine tempo; on-pace runners have an edge.
- Sectional times — Late splits from juveniles can reveal hidden talent.
- Stable patterns — Stables like Godolphin, Moody, and Maher target this race.
- Pedigree suitability — Sprinting pedigrees dominate; avoid horses bred for 1400m+.
- Market movement — Early betting shifts often reveal stable confidence.
FULL 2026 VAIN 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 Vain 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 Vain Stakes Field
The 2026 Vain Stakes field and barrier draw are announced the Wednesday leading up to P.B. Lawrence Stakes Day with full acceptances to be listed below.
The Vain Stakes 2026 final field features a small but class line-up of potential Group 1 bound three-year-olds including the autumn’s Blue Diamond runner-up Closer To Free to be ridden by Mark Zahra from the outside barrier and resuming VOBIS Showdown champ Big Wigs.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 312268x | TORNADO VALLEY | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 2 | 58kg | 80 | ||
| 2 | 120x | CLOSER TO FREE | Danny O’Brien | Mark Zahra | 9 | 58kg | 92 | ||
| 3 | 1×6 | HARD KICK | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Damian Lane | 5 | 57kg | 71 | ||
| 4 | 221x | BIG WIGS | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | Lachlan Neindorf | 7 | 56kg | 74 | ||
| 5 | 51820x | OUTSPAN | Michael Freedman | Chad Schofield | 3 | 56kg | 71 | ||
| 6 | 41 | ALMONTEGO | Gavin Bedggood | Michael Dee | 4 | 56kg | 68 | ||
| 7 | 28x | CONFEDERATION | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 1 | 56kg | 68 | ||
| 8 | 1 | ORGANISED CRIME | Lloyd Kennewell | Ethan Brown | 6 | 56kg | 63 | ||
| 9 | 6×1 | MYHRO’S RULER | John McArdle | Jamie Mott | 8 | 56kg | 63 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2026 Vain Stakes Nominations
The early Vain Stakes 2026 Nominations are taken by Racing Victoria on the Monday leading-up to race day, the full list of entries to be published right here once announced.
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Ballot | Weight | True Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 120x | CLOSER TO FREE | C | 3 | Danny O’Brien | 1 | 58kg | 92 | ||
| 2 | 312268x | TORNADO VALLEY | C | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 2 | 58kg | 80 | ||
| 3 | 1350x | HIDRIX | C | 3 | Chris Waller | 3 | 58kg | 74 | ||
| 4 | 1×6 | HARD KICK | G | 3 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 4 | 57kg | 71 | ||
| 5 | 221x | BIG WIGS | C | 3 | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 5 | 56kg | 74 | ||
| 6 | 23x | CENTRAL EUROPE | C | 3 | Chris Waller | 6 | 56kg | 74 | ||
| 7 | 51820x | OUTSPAN | C | 3 | Michael Freedman | 7 | 56kg | 71 | ||
| 8 | 1206×6 | MILSONS POINT | G | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 8 | 56kg | 68 | ||
| 9 | 41 | ALMONTEGO | G | 3 | Gavin Bedggood | 9 | 56kg | 68 | ||
| 10 | 28x | CONFEDERATION | C | 3 | Chris Waller | 10 | 56kg | 68 | ||
| 11 | 1 | ORGANISED CRIME | C | 3 | Lloyd Kennewell | 11= | 56kg | 63 | ||
| 12 | 1 | SHARAZ | G | 3 | Mitchell Freedman | 11= | 56kg | 63 | ||
| 13 | 23x | SHOOTING BRAKE | C | 3 | Dominic Sutton | 13 | 56kg | 63 | ||
| 14 | 6×1 | MYHRO’S RULER | G | 3 | John McArdle | 14 | 56kg | 63 | ||
| 15 | 2 | KEEN OBSERVER | C | 3 | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 15 | 56kg | 60 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Vain Stakes History
Inaugurated in 1992, the Vain Stakes has always attracted a strong assortment of young colts and geldings. Never Undercharge took out the first edition of the Vain Stakes with a thrilling run to set the standard of tight finishes that the Vain Stakes is known for.
Initially referred to as the Vain Quality Stakes, the race name was shortened to the Vain Stakes in 1995. For a year in 2010 the race was named the Lister Diesel Stakes.
Initially held at Sandown Park Racecourse, the Vain Stakes shifted to Caulfield for a year in 1994 and then again in 1997. From 2002 onwards, the race’s permanent home has been at Caulfield Racecourse.
Although the Vain Stakes is now held over a distance of 1100m, it was raced over 1200m prior to 2006, when the drop to 1100m was first made. Since then, it has remained at 1100m with the exception of 2009, when it was run over 1200m.
Notable Vain Stakes winners include Cannibal King (1994), Haradasun (2006), Starspangledbanner (2009), Toorak Toff (2010), Bivouac (2019), and that year’s subsequent The Everest race champion Giga Kick (2022).
Giga Kick also set a new Vain Stakes race record winning in 2022 in a time of 1 minute 02.81 seconds.
Vain Stakes results since 2000, including winning times, are listed below.
Vain Stakes Results
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Vain Stakes | 1st | TBD | TBD |
| 2nd | TBD | ||
| 3rd | TBD | ||
| 2025 Vain Stakes | 1st | Jimmy Recard | 1 minute 5.29 seconds |
| 2nd | Tycoon Star | ||
| 3rd | Express Class | ||
| 2024 Vain Stakes | 1st | Band Of Brothers | 1 minute 3.61 seconds |
| 2nd | Let’sfacethemusic | ||
| 3rd | Wonder Boy | ||
| 2023 Vain Stakes | 1st | Cylinder | 1 minute 3.14 seconds |
| 2nd | Ouroboros | ||
| 3rd | I Am Unstoppable | ||
| 2022 Vain Stakes | 1st | Giga Kick | 1 minute 2.81 seconds |
| 2nd | Alpha One | ||
| 3rd | Millane | ||
| 2021 Vain Stakes | 1st | Ingratiating | 1 minute 3.97 seconds |
| 2nd | General Beau | ||
| 3rd | Generation | ||
| 2020 Vain Stakes | 1st | Our Playboy | 1 minute 4.91 seconds |
| 2nd | Ranting | ||
| 3rd | Rulership | ||
| 2019 Vain Stakes | 1st | Bivouac | 1 minute 3.42 seconds |
| 2nd | Sebrakate | ||
| 3rd | Dirty Work | ||
| 2018 Vain Stakes | 1st | Tony Nicconi | 1 minute 4.85 seconds |
| 2nd | Long Leaf | ||
| 3rd | Native Soldier | ||
| 2017 Vain Stakes | 1st | Jukebox | 1 minute 4.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Plutocracy | ||
| 3rd | Poseidon’s Pool | ||
| 2016 Vain Stakes | 1st | Russian Revolution | 1 minute 5.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Highland Beat | ||
| 3rd | Hardham | ||
| 2015 Vain Stakes | 1st | Gold Symphony | 1 minute 04.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Top Me Up | ||
| 3rd | Star Planet | ||
| 2014 Vain Stakes | 1st | Get The Nod | 1 minute 03.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Stingray | ||
| 3rd | Boomwa | ||
| 2013 Vain Stakes | 1st | Safeguard | 1 minute 04.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Fast ‘n’ Rocking | ||
| 3rd | Hill Spy | ||
| 2012 Vain Stakes | 1st | Psychic Mick | 1 minute 06.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Planet Voyage | ||
| 3rd | Free Of Doubt | ||
| 2011 Vain Stakes | 1st | Sepoy | 1 minute 03.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Golden Archer | ||
| 3rd | Grand Britannia | ||
| 2010 Vain Stakes | 1st | Toorak Toff | 1 minute 07.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Soul | ||
| 3rd | Star Witness | ||
| 2009 Vain Stakes | 1st | Starspangledbanner | 1 minute 04.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Eclair Fastpass | ||
| 3rd | Djatala | ||
| 2008 Vain Stakes | 1st | Fernandina | 1 minute 05.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Lord Tavistock | ||
| 3rd | Exceedingly Good | ||
| 2007 Vain Stakes | 1st | Shrewd Rhythm | 1 minute 03.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Purrealist | ||
| 3rd | Diplomatic Force | ||
| 2006 Vain Stakes | 1st | Haradasun | 1 minute 03.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Sharkbite | ||
| 3rd | Churchill Downs | ||
| 2005 Vain Stakes | 1st | Red Dazzler | 1 minute 13.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Maybe Better | ||
| 3rd | Big League | ||
| 2004 Vain Stakes | 1st | Zankel | 1 minute 12.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Special Voyage | ||
| 3rd | Tantat Secret | ||
| 2003 Vain Stakes | 1st | Lisboa Stand | 1 minute 10.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Scaredee Cat | ||
| 3rd | Keep The Faith | ||
| 2002 Vain Stakes | 1st | Delago Brom | 1 minute 10.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Great Glen | ||
| 3rd | Broadband | ||
| 2001 Vain Stakes | 1st | North Boy | 1 minute 12.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Dash For Cash | ||
| 3rd | Tully Dane | ||
| 2000 Vain Stakes | 1st | Surtees | 1 minute 12.95 seconds |
| 2nd | Sort It Out | ||
| 3rd | Mr Gold Flyer | ||
Vain Stakes FAQ
What is the Vain Stakes?
The Vain Stakes is a Group 3 sprint for three-year-old colts and geldings, run at Caulfield and recognised as one of Melbourne’s key early-spring launching pads for emerging short-course stars.
When is the 2026 Vain Stakes?
The 2026 Vain Stakes is held in mid-August, forming part of Caulfield’s important early-season three-year-old program.
What distance is the Vain Stakes run over?
The race is run over 1100 metres, a sharp sprint trip that rewards early speed, raceday freshness and proven short-course talent.
How many horses run in the Vain Stakes?
Field sizes generally sit around 10-14 runners, giving punters a competitive lineup of first-up performers, trial stars and emerging three-year-old sprinters.
Where is the Vain Stakes held?
The race is run at Caulfield Racecourse, a track known for its fast-run tempo and tight turns that often favour on-pace runners.
What type of horses target the Vain Stakes?
Expect explosive colts and geldings resuming off strong winter trials, early-spring hopefuls heading toward stallion-making races, and sharp short-course types capable of producing big sectionals fresh.
What should punters look for in Vain Stakes betting?
Key factors include 1100m form, Caulfield suitability, first-up strike rates, barrier draws, speed map position and stable intent — all crucial when assessing Vain Stakes odds and shaping confident early-spring plays.
Who are some notable past winners?
The race has produced several elite three-year-olds who have gone on to win major Group races in the spring, cementing the Vain Stakes as a proven early-season form reference, including Sepoy (2011), Russian Revolution (2016) and Bivouac (2019).
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