The first of the Group 1 Melbourne spring races hits Caulfield this weekend, and with a cracking line-up to get things underway, Neds have you covered with our insider Memsie Stakes 2026 betting tips, predictions and favourites.
The $750,000 Memsie Stakes (1400m) has delivered an absolute blockbuster field. Twelve proven weight‑for‑age weapons line up for the feature, and there’s no shortage of stars with big campaigns ahead for punters chasing an early spring edge.
The evergreen Mr Brightside returns as a nine‑year‑old marvel, still punching above his weight and looking to turn two consecutive Memsie runner‑up finishes into redemption. Reigning champ Treasurethe Moment is back to defend her crown after blowing them away fresh last year, while Jimmysstar heads the market as the punters’ pick hoping to snap a frustrating run of outs. Add in Cosmic Crusader, the in‑form Caulfield flyer hunting a third straight win at the track, and you’ve got one beauty of a race pending!
So, who takes out the first big one of the Melbourne Spring Carnival?
Below you’ll find our complete Memsie Stakes racing preview, plus a Same Race Multi built for those chasing a little extra spice.
2026 Memsie Stakes Favourites & Best Bets
The reigning Memsie queen is back, and TREASURETHE MOMENT (6) looks primed to kick off another rock‑solid campaign.
She closed out her autumn with a brave placing in the Queen Of The Turf, and her earlier Caulfield demolition job in the Sunline Stakes reminded everyone just how lethal she is around this circuit.
A genuine Caulfield 1400m weapon, the mare boasts elite numbers at the trip and rarely puts a foot wrong when resuming.
Her record at the track is very strong — four wins from six starts and never once missing the podium — and she’s already proven she can boss this race after putting a gap on them fresh last year.
Even with only steady trial form under her belt, she’s the type who improves sharply on raceday, and Damian Lane’s familiarity with her makes the map straightforward: roll forward, control the tempo, and dare them to catch her.
Neds Verdict: A hardened Caulfield specialist with a killer fresh profile — the one they’ll be chasing again and remains a top Memsie Stakes best bet.
| 12. Treasurethe Moment (6) J: Damian Lane 57kg x313x T: Matt Laurie |
If you’re hunting a runner with genuine momentum heading into the Memsie, COSMIC CRUSADER (11) is the one arriving with the engines already humming.
The Perth expat has been electric since switching to Melbourne, stringing together two sharp wins — first smashing them in the Bletchingly, then powering home late to claim the PB Lawrence with a booming finish that suggested he can match motors with Melbourne’s best WFA horses.
He sticks to the same Caulfield 1400m strip he’s thriving on, and while the draw hasn’t done him any favours, his fitness edge is a major weapon.
Third‑up is his sweet spot, and the way he reeled off those late splits last start suggests he’s only getting stronger.
If Pike can slide him into a handier position early, he’s going to be right in the thick of it when the race hits top gear.
Neds Verdict: A red‑hot, race‑fit danger with serious closing power — the standout each way play.
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (11) J: William Pike 59kg 12×11 T: Andrea Leek |
The old boy is back for another spring swing, and MR BRIGHTSIDE (9) once again rolls into the Memsie as the crowd favourite in spirit, if not the market.
Now nine and lining up for start number 49, he’s still producing the sort of numbers most horses would dream of at their peak.
His first‑up record remains rock‑solid, and Caulfield is practically his second home — six wins and five placings from a dozen runs says everything you need to know.
A dual‑figure Group 1 tally, a past Memsie trophy, and a historical Makybe Diva Stakes treble on the shelf prove he’s still elite at this level, and his back‑to‑back seconds in this race show he’s never far away when the whips are cracking.
His Champions Mile run last prep came on a bog track he didn’t enjoy, but his recent Heath trial — finishing alongside Giga Kick — was exactly the sort of tune‑up that suggests he’s ready to fire fresh.
Craig Williams reunites with the champ, and the pair have built a career’s worth of big moments together.
Neds Verdict: The ageless warrior who refuses to fade — the standout roughie in our Memsie Stakes predictions.
| 1. Mr Brightside (9) J: Craig Williams 59kg 2125x T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
2026 Memsie Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 3 – No. 12 Treasurethe Moment
- Top 3 – No. 7 Cosmic Crusader
- Top 4 – No. 1 Mr Brightside
TREASURETHE MOMENT (6) returns as the proven Caulfield assassin — a fresh‑up specialist with elite 1400m form who maps to roll forward and make them chase from the outset as she hunts her second Memsie trophy.
COSMIC CRUSADER (11) is the fit danger in flying form, armed with booming late splits and primed to strike again if Pike can offset the wide alley and land him a touch closer.
MR BRIGHTSIDE (9) is the ageless warrior who thrives first‑up at Caulfield, a 10‑time Group 1 star returning off a sharp trial and still more than capable of landing a fresh blow at value.
| 1. Mr Brightside (9) J: Craig Williams 59kg 2125x T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (11) J: William Pike 59kg 12×11 T: Andrea Leek | ||
| 12. Treasurethe Moment (6) J: Damian Lane 57kg x313x T: Matt Laurie |
Favourites in 2026 Memsie Stakes Betting
The 2026 Memsie Stakes betting market is taking shape around a mix of proven WFA stars, fit on‑pace runners and a couple of sharp resumers who map to get every chance. With Jimmysstar holding his spot at the top of the board, Cosmic Crusader tightening as the clear danger, and Beiwacht surging as the big market mover, this year’s Memsie is loaded with class and potential value. Below, we break down the key runners shaping the latest odds.
Favourite: No. 2 Jimmysstar
Jimmysstar resumes as the punters’ pick, holding firm at the top of the market despite drifting slightly from $3.80 to $4.20 at time of publish. His CF Orr win over this exact trip last spring was elite, and while his autumn campaign didn’t quite hit the same heights, he’s a genuine Caulfield 1400m specialist with a strong fresh profile. His last run before the break — a narrow second in the Kingsford Smith Cup — showed he’s still right at the top of the WFA tree. If he lands in his expected off‑midfield spot and gets clear air, his best form simply wins.
Why he’s the one to beat:
- Track/distance specialist
- Reliable first‑up record
- Strong soft‑track form
- Ideal 1200–1400m range
- Maps to blend in off midfield
Expected Settling Position: Off Midfield
| 2. Jimmysstar (8) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 5342x T: Ciaron Maher |
Steady Second Favourite: No. 7 Cosmic Crusader
Cosmic Crusader is rock‑hard fit and humming into the Memsie third‑up, holding his quote as the clear second elect. His Bletchingly win was dominant, and his PB Lawrence victory was even better — reeling off sharp late splits to put away a strong field. Pike is airborne, the horse is unbeaten at Caulfield, and the soft‑track form only strengthens his case. If he slots into a midfield trail, he’ll be launching late.
Why he’s a major danger:
- Jockey in red‑hot form
- Unbeaten at Caulfield
- Strong soft‑track profile
- Tongue tie added
- Third‑up peak incoming
Expected Settling Position: Midfield
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (11) J: William Pike 59kg 12×11 T: Andrea Leek |
Market Mover & Close Third Favourite: No. 10 Beiwacht
Beiwacht is the big mover in early Memsie Stakes betting — crunched from $8 into $5.50 at time of print — and the map is a huge part of his appeal. His two 1400m runs last prep were outstanding, winning the Golden Rose and then the All Aged Stakes before a spell. He’s trialled sharply, Nash Rawiller jumps aboard, and from a forward draw he looks set to take up the running and give a massive sight.
Why he’s firming:
- Unbeaten at 1400m
- Nash riding in top form
- Perfect 1300–1500m profile
- Ear muffs on pre‑race
- Maps to lead and control
Expected Settling Position: Leader
| 10. Beiwacht (7) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 8261x T: Chris Waller |
Next Best: No. 12 Treasurethe Moment
Treasurethe Moment has tightened from $9 to $7 currently and remains one of the most reliable plays in the race. The reigning Memsie champion is a proven Caulfield 1400m specialist, boasts a strong fresh record, and reunites with a jockey who knows exactly how to ride her. She resumes off a solid Queen Of The Turf placing and maps to roll forward again.
Why she’s right in the mix:
- Elite jockey/horse combo
- Caulfield 1400m specialist
- Jockey flying
- Winkers on
- Dominant winner last year
Expected Settling Position: Leader
| 12. Treasurethe Moment (6) J: Damian Lane 57kg x313x T: Matt Laurie |
Being Kept Safe: No. 9 Autumn Boy
Autumn Boy has trimmed from $11 into $8 and is attracting quiet support. He’s a classy miler who finished runner‑up in the Doncaster last prep and usually runs well fresh. The blinkers go on, the jockey/trainer combo is flying, and while he may find a couple too sharp at 1400m, he’s good enough to be in the finish if the tempo is strong.
Why he’s respected:
- Strong jockey/trainer combo
- Blinkers on
- Excellent 1600m form
- Reliable fresh profile
- Soft‑track capable
Expected Settling Position: Off Midfield
| 9. Autumn Boy (3) J: James McDonald 58.5kg 3212x T: Chris Waller |
Last of the Single‑Figure Chances: No. 5 Angel Capital
Angel Capital has drifted from $4.80 to $8.50 but remains a live chance for punters who can forgive his inconsistencies. He was luckless in both the Rupert Clarke and All Aged Stakes last prep, and his Missile Stakes return was full of merit. Back to 1400m is perfect, and while he can be frustrating, his talent is undeniable.
Why he’s still a threat:
- Strong jockey/horse combo
- Best suited at 1200–1400m
- Barrier extension added
- Excellent second‑up record
- Capable of producing a big run
Expected Settling Position: Midfield
| 5. Angel Capital (5) J: Ben Melham 59kg 326×3 T: Chris Waller |
Latest Memsie Stakes Odds 2026
Memsie Stakes 2026 Results
| 10. Beiwacht (7) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 8261x T: Chris Waller | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (9) J: Craig Williams 59kg 2125x T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (11) J: William Pike 59kg 12×11 T: Andrea Leek | ||
| 12. Treasurethe Moment (6) J: Damian Lane 57kg x313x T: Matt Laurie | ||
| 4. Buckaroo (10) J: Jye Mcneil 59kg 0x25x T: Chris Waller | ||
| 6. Birdman (4) J: Beau Mertens 59kg 1521x T: Chris Waller | ||
| 11. Planet Red (2) J: Blake Shinn 58.5kg x226x T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 9. Autumn Boy (3) J: James McDonald 58.5kg 3212x T: Chris Waller | ||
| 2. Jimmysstar (8) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 5342x T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 5. Angel Capital (5) J: Ben Melham 59kg 326×3 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 3. Tom Kitten (1) J: Mark Zahra 59kg x117x T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | ||
| 8. Sabaj (12) J: Jamie Melham 59kg x244x T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |