We have Herbert Power Stakes tips and predictions for the Group 2 2400m race at Caulfield on Saturday.
Herbert Power Stakes odds don’t have much between the top five in the market, and it should be a quality staying contest.
Chris Waller has Pinhole flying this preparation, and the last-start winner looks the runner to beat in the Herbert Power Stakes.
The 4YO son of Frankel has won four of his 14 starts and looks like a horse with plenty of upside as he steps up in distance. His Rosehill win last time out was particularly encouraging, with Pinhole showing a good turn of foot before fighting strongly through the line.
The 2400m should suit on breeding, and having James McDonald taking the ride is another major positive. McDonald has a strong book of rides on Caulfield Guineas Day, and he can get the day off to a winning start aboard Pinhole.
He has already been well backed in the Herbert Power Stakes market, and we expect the money to keep coming for the Waller-trained runner. He looks the safest option in our Herbert Power Stakes tips at the current odds.
| 12. Pinhole (8) J: James McDonald 56kg 12×31 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 11 in a Bm94 at Randwick on September 5 over 1600m, 1.4 len behind The Mona Lisa with 52.5kg at $21. Second-up won by a nose in a Bm88 at Rosehill on September 26 over 1900m defeating Starzintheireyes carrying 57kg at $12. Has upside and intent with McDonald booked. | |||
Shockletz is the runner worth including in picks after bolting in at Flemington last start.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare was very impressive over 2000m and looks ready for the step up to 2400m. She has been well supported in the market following that performance, and there’s enough staying upside to suggest she can handle the extra distance.
The 55.5kg is another major positive, especially against some of the more experienced stayers in this field. She also gets Harry Coffey aboard, and from barrier 11, he should have plenty of time to find a position before they settle into the staying trip.
At $5.50, she looks a fair price in a race where there are plenty of question marks around the main chances. Include Shockletz in Herbert Power Stakes tips.
| 14. Shockletz (11) J: Harry Coffey 55.5kg 48641 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.25 len in the G3 Archer Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 2500m defeating Think Giant carrying 54.5kg at $2.90. The start before that 4th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3 len behind Saint George carrying 53kg at $10. Big win last time, level of intent the key given she’s in the Melbourne Cup already. | |||
Machine Gun Gracie is the runner we want at a bigger price.
The wide barrier is the obvious concern, but the 56kg impost gives her a chance to run well in a race where several of the favourites are carrying more weight. She has been racing consistently without winning this preparation and should appreciate getting out to 2400m.
The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained mare has enough staying ability to make her presence felt, and Luke Currie taking the ride is another positive. The $10 quote gives us enough upside to take the chance, particularly if the race is run at a genuine tempo and she can get cover from the wide draw.
| 9. Machine Gun Gracie (14) J: Luke Currie 56kg 0x654 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Last start 4th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Zahrann carrying 54kg at $10. The run before that led to the turn then faded 5th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3.5 len behind Saint George with 56.5kg at $15. Going well and settles on speed, each way chance. | |||
Punters get value odds with our Herbert Power Stakes SRM, which includes our three selected runners.
We have Pinhole Top 3, Shockletz Top 3, and Machine Gun Gracie Top 5, which pays $9.25 for our three-runner SRM.
All three runners should have a good chance of going close, and they could all loom at the top of the Caulfield straight. It’s a good price for the SRM, so include it in your Herbert Power Stakes predictions.
| 9. Machine Gun Gracie (14) J: Luke Currie 56kg 0x654 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Last start 4th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Zahrann carrying 54kg at $10. The run before that led to the turn then faded 5th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3.5 len behind Saint George with 56.5kg at $15. Going well and settles on speed, each way chance. | |||
| 12. Pinhole (8) J: James McDonald 56kg 12×31 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 11 in a Bm94 at Randwick on September 5 over 1600m, 1.4 len behind The Mona Lisa with 52.5kg at $21. Second-up won by a nose in a Bm88 at Rosehill on September 26 over 1900m defeating Starzintheireyes carrying 57kg at $12. Has upside and intent with McDonald booked. | |||
| 14. Shockletz (11) J: Harry Coffey 55.5kg 48641 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.25 len in the G3 Archer Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 2500m defeating Think Giant carrying 54.5kg at $2.90. The start before that 4th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3 len behind Saint George carrying 53kg at $10. Big win last time, level of intent the key given she’s in the Melbourne Cup already. | |||
Latest Herbert Power Stakes 2026 Odds
Herbert Power Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Onesmoothoperator (12) J: Mark Zahra 58kg 0x9x0 T: Tim Fitzsimmons | |||
| Racing second-up today. Last start 13th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 4.5 len behind Zahrann carrying 57kg at $71. At only start last preparation ran second last of 10 in the G2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington on February 28 over 1600m, 7 len behind Birdman with 58kg at $26. Looks tested. | |||
| 2. Campaldino (13) J: Jordan Childs 58kg 2×907 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Last start faded in the straight 7th of 13 in a G3 The Bart Cummings at Flemington on October 3 over 2520m, in the wet; 6 len behind Mr Monaco carrying 58kg at $9. The race before that sat behind the speed prior to fading 12th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 4 len behind Zahrann carrying 57.5kg at $26. He can improve in a proper staying test. | |||
| 3. Future History (3) J: Ben Melham 57kg 36×32 T: Gregory Hickman | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up came from midfield; 3rd of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 2.5 len behind St Lawrence with 62.5kg at $41. Second-up sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 13 in the G3 JRA Cup at this track on September 27 over 2000m, 0.8 len behind Royal Supremacy with 59.5kg at $11. Capable of another forward showing. Has come back well and sets up nicely, solid chance. | |||
| 4. Zakouma (9) J: William Pike 57kg 71×66 T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 6th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $21. Second-up 6th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 1.75 len behind Zahrann with 54kg at $10. Ticking along nicely for a Melbourne Cup and should run well. | |||
| 5. Newfoundland (4) J: Declan Bates 57kg 190×9 T: Shane Jackson | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after seven months got back early 9th of 13 in the G3 JRA Cup at this track on September 27 over 2000m, 8 len behind Royal Supremacy carrying 54kg at $91. Previously second-up won by a nose in the LR Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm on January 26 over 2400m defeating Age Of Sail with 54kg at $4.20. Others rate better this time. | |||
| 6. Knight’s Choice (1) J: Blake Shinn 56kg 08×09 T: J G Symons & S Laxon | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 12th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 10 len behind Kingswood carrying 61kg at $101. Second run from a spell 9th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 2.5 len behind Zahrann with 59kg at $81. Better last time and we know he’ll stay but have a few ahead. | |||
| 7. Soulcombe (15) J: Craig Williams 56kg 72×00 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 14th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 24 len behind Kingswood carrying 59.5kg at $31. Second-up 11th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 2.75 len behind Zahrann carrying 56kg at $101. Better last time but still want to see again. | |||
| 8. Okita Soushi (2) J: Billy Egan 56kg x0x00 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran last of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 28 len behind Kingswood carrying 58.5kg at $201. Second run from a spell ran second last of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 10 len behind Zahrann with 56kg at $151. Can’t have. | |||
| 9. Machine Gun Gracie (14) J: Luke Currie 56kg 0x654 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Last start 4th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Zahrann carrying 54kg at $10. The run before that led to the turn then faded 5th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3.5 len behind Saint George with 56.5kg at $15. Going well and settles on speed, each way chance. | |||
| 10. Sunset Park (5) J: Ethan Brown 56kg 0x802 T: Michael Kent | |||
| Most recently tried to lead throughout but was claimed late 2nd of 11 in the LR RM Ansett Classic at Mornington on September 26 over 2400m, slow going neck behind Hurry Curry carrying 56kg at $5.50. The start before that ran second last of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 8 len behind Saint George with 54kg at $71. Will find this tougher. | |||
| 11. Highland Bling (7) J: Lachlan Neindorf 56kg 307×0 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months ran second last of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 10 len behind St Lawrence with 56kg at $81. Previously second-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 15 in the G3 Lord Reims Stakes at Morphettville on February 21 over 2600m, nose behind Eventually carrying 56kg at $5. Give another run. | |||
| 12. Pinhole (8) J: James McDonald 56kg 12×31 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 11 in a Bm94 at Randwick on September 5 over 1600m, 1.4 len behind The Mona Lisa with 52.5kg at $21. Second-up won by a nose in a Bm88 at Rosehill on September 26 over 1900m defeating Starzintheireyes carrying 57kg at $12. Has upside and intent with McDonald booked. | |||
| 13. Strictly Business (10) J: John Allen 55.5kg 802×0 T: Thomas Carberry | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months 14th of 16 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes at this track on September 19 over 2000m, 6 len behind Zahrann with 55kg at $101. Previously second-up ran second last of 9 in a Country Oaks at Ballarat on April 3 over 2000m, 7 len behind Too Darn Discreet carrying 57kg at $4.80. Will improve up in trip but see again. | |||
| 14. Shockletz (11) J: Harry Coffey 55.5kg 48641 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.25 len in the G3 Archer Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 2500m defeating Think Giant carrying 54.5kg at $2.90. The start before that 4th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3 len behind Saint George carrying 53kg at $10. Big win last time, level of intent the key given she’s in the Melbourne Cup already. | |||
| 15. Suntora (6) J: Daniel Stackhouse 55kg 3×658 T: Nick Ryan | |||
| Most recently 8th of 13 in the G3 JRA Cup at this track on September 27 over 2000m, 6 len behind Royal Supremacy carrying 54kg at $6. The start before that 5th of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 3 len behind St Lawrence with 55.5kg at $12. Going okay but still risking. | |||