The last major winter sprint in Melbourne lands at Caulfield this Saturday, and the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes looks an absolute beauty despite a compact field.
This race regularly sets the tone heading into spring carnival, and its honour roll is stacked with serious names — Apache Cat, Smokin’ Joey, Scales Of Justice, King Of Sparta and last year’s star mare Bridal Waltz all used this as a launching pad.
This season’s Bletchingly Stakes field has plenty to unpack. Winnasedge is chasing the Monash–Bletchingly double after bursting through the line last start, Miraval Rose is back hunting a second-up victory, and Cosmic Crusader returns from a break with Group 1 credentials to head the markets.
With a tight line-up, a few key runners peaking at the right time, and the Bletchingly Stakes predictions pointing to a tactical 1200m dash, it’s time to get involved!
Dive in below for our full 2026 Bletchingly Stakes tips, predictions and top fancies to see where the value sits in this year’s winter Group 3 finale.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Favourites & Best Bets
The big boy, COSMIC CRUSADER (1), returns from a break and immediately stamps himself as the horse to beat in the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes.
Landing the inside barrier is a massive win, especially for a galloper who thrives when he can settle close and build through his gears.
His WA campaign last prep was rock‑solid from start to finish, capped by a gutsy Group 1 victory over Watch Me Rock in the Northerly Stakes — the sort of form that always catches the eye when hunting for reliable Bletchingly Stakes predictions.
He then dropped back to the shorter trip and still produced a booming late run in The Gold Rush, proving he’s just as dangerous over 1200m as he is at a mile.
Fresh is his sweet spot, the jumpout at Caulfield was exactly what you want to see, and a Soft track only tilts things further in his favour.
With the Bletchingly Stakes barrier draw giving him every possible advantage, he looks ready to fire first‑up and remind everyone why he’s a genuine Group 1‑class sprinter.
Neds Verdict: The standout on paper and the runner they’ll all be chasing. A top‑two lock.
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58.5kg 3112xT: Andrea Leek | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of seven months. Finished off last preparation second of 12 at Ascot in the G3 Gold Rush December 13 over 1400m, a long neck behind Rey Magnerio carrying 59kg at $2.60. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 3.5 len win. Belmont Park Rtg 72+ September 13 over 1400m slow track defeating Shmoov Moova with 57.5kg at $2.10. Class WA galloper who might just be too good. | |||
The Nick Ryan-trained flyer, WINNASEDGE (5), rolls into the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes field as the obvious danger after stringing together a seriously sharp prep.
He returned from a long break with a brave Sandown run under a monster weight, then built beautifully through a Flemington placing before exploding back to life with two Caulfield wins on the bounce.
His Sir John Monash victory was all class — strong late, handled the rise in grade, and showed he’s right at home around Caulfield’s tight turns.
The form stacks up, the 1200m is no issue, and his record at the track is outstanding, beaten only once from five appearances.
With Luke Currie sticking solid and likely pushing forward to take advantage of his tactical speed, he’s perfectly placed to chase the Monash–Bletchingly double and give punters a genuine alternative to the favourite in their Bletchingly Stakes best bets.
Neds Verdict: Red‑hot Caulfield specialist who won’t be far away. A strong each‑way play.
| 7. Winnasedge (5) J: Luke Currie 58.5kg x6311T: Nick Ryan | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start favourite; came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at this track G3 J Monash July 11 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Bellatrix Star with 58.5kg at $4.40. The run before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len at this track Bm84 June 27 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 60.5kg at $4.40. Won key lead up and is well placed again. | |||
Sitting at a tempting quote in Bletchingly Stakes betting this year, the Grahame Begg-trained mare MIRAVAL ROSE (2) shapes as the clear value runner in the race.
She draws right beside the favourite and looks set to elevate second‑up after a strong return in the Monash, where she chased hard and finished within a half‑length of Winnasedge at big odds.
Caulfield is a track she handles well — her last two runs here have been honest efforts in quality company — and the rise to 1200m is exactly what she wants at this stage of her prep.
She hasn’t won since her Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes success at Flemington last spring, but with Jordan Childs jumping back aboard, she gets a familiar rider who knows how to time her run.
Expect her to settle midfield, build momentum from the bend and be right in the mix late for punters hunting a price in their Bletchingly Stakes tips.
Neds Verdict: A classic second‑up improver with upside at the odds. A genuine top‑three chance.
| 8. Miraval Rose (2) J: Jordan Childs 56.5kg 144×4T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Second run back. First-up after eight months 4th of 11 at this track in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 0.7 len behind Winnasedge carrying 56.5kg at $12. Previously second-up won by 0.5 len at this track Mares-Swp September 20 over 1200m defeating Stretan Angel with 57kg at $9.50. Better for that, go close. | |||
If you’re hunting for a roughie with a bit of spark in the Bletchingly Stakes odds, RECOMMENDATION (9) is the one for mine.
He’s been around the block — Hong Kong stint, Group wins, and a past Bletchingly title — and while he hasn’t landed a blow for a while, his recent efforts suggest he’s far from finished.
His Monash run this prep was decent when dragged back early before getting through traffic and finishing within a length of the winner in a tight scramble.
He’s the definition of a momentum‑horse — when he’s on, he can produce a late surge that catches punters off guard — and Caulfield is a track he’s handled well over the years.
I’m not backing him to cause a boilover, but if the tempo is strong and he gets a clean passage from midfield, he’s exactly the type who can slide into the finish and add value to the exotics.
Neds Verdict: Capable on his day and suited by the set‑up. A live Top‑4 roughie.
| 2. Recommendation (9) J: Thomas Stockdale 58.5kg 36426T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Last start eased back early on 6th of 11 at this track in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. The run before that 2nd of 12 at Flemington Hcp on June 20 over 1100m, on a slow track; long-neck behind De Bergerac carrying 58kg at $15. Rough hope. | |||
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 2 – No. 1 Cosmic Crusader
- Top 3 – No. 7 Winnasedge
- Top 4 – No. 2 Recommendation
COSMIC CRUSADER (1) — The class act of the race and the one most likely to park in the first couple and give punters a clean look at the finish. His fresh record is elite, the inside draw is a gift, and his recent Caulfield jumpout suggests he’s ready to launch straight into the money.
SRM Leg: Top 2.
WINNASEDGE (5) — Caulfield is his playground and he arrives humming after a brilliant Monash win. Expect him to roll forward, absorb the pressure and be right in the fight late over 1200m. He’s the obvious danger to the favourite and a rock‑solid inclusion for multis.
SRM Leg: Top 3.
RECOMMENDATION (9) — The veteran who can spice things up at a price. His Monash run this prep was better than it looks on paper, and if the tempo is genuine, he’s exactly the type who can slide into the finish and add value to wider plays.
SRM Leg: Top 4.
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 58.5kg 3112xT: Andrea Leek | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of seven months. Finished off last preparation second of 12 at Ascot in the G3 Gold Rush December 13 over 1400m, a long neck behind Rey Magnerio carrying 59kg at $2.60. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 3.5 len win. Belmont Park Rtg 72+ September 13 over 1400m slow track defeating Shmoov Moova with 57.5kg at $2.10. Class WA galloper who might just be too good. | |||
| 2. Recommendation (9) J: Thomas Stockdale 58.5kg 36426T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Last start eased back early on 6th of 11 at this track in the G3 J Monash on July 11 over 1100m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. The run before that 2nd of 12 at Flemington Hcp on June 20 over 1100m, on a slow track; long-neck behind De Bergerac carrying 58kg at $15. Rough hope. | |||
| 7. Winnasedge (5) J: Luke Currie 58.5kg x6311T: Nick Ryan | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start favourite; came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at this track G3 J Monash July 11 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Bellatrix Star with 58.5kg at $4.40. The run before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len at this track Bm84 June 27 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 60.5kg at $4.40. Won key lead up and is well placed again. | |||
Favourites in 2026 Bletchingly Stakes Betting
No. 1 COSMIC CRUSADER — The clear top pick and the horse punters have launched into early. He arrives in Melbourne for the first time after tearing through the Perth carnival, climbing the grades and knocking off Railway winner Watch Me Rock in the Northerly Stakes. Seven days later he dropped back to 1400m and still powered home between Rey Magnerio and Overpass — form that simply towers over this field. If he’s sharp enough at 1200m fresh, he could put them away quickly and justify his spot at the head of the Bletchingly Stakes odds.
No. 7 WINNASEDGE — Sitting second in the Bletchingly Stakes betting markets and chasing the Group 3 Caulfield race double, he’s the obvious danger. His Monash win came off a clever ride, he’s rock‑hard fit, and the rise to 1200m is right in his wheelhouse. Expect him to roll forward, control his own luck, and give Cosmic Crusader something to think about.
No. 8 MIRAVAL ROSE — Of the Monash runners, she’s the one most likely to elevate. She was strong late first‑up, and the extra 100m combined with natural second‑up improvement makes her a genuine threat. She’ll be looking for further later in the prep, but this trip suits her perfectly at this stage.
No. 6 WATCHME WIN — Closed off nicely in the Monash and stays under double‑figures in the market. He’s the type who keeps grinding into the finish and should be around the mark again if the tempo is genuine.
No. 3 ZOU SENSATION — The last of the runners under $10 and the one offering a bit of sneaky value. His northern campaign didn’t quite fire, but his best form reads well for this race. He’s more of a 1400m horse, but fresh and back to Caulfield, he’s worth respecting.
Neds expert 2026 Bletchingly Stakes Day Tips & Preview for the full Caulfield racing program on Saturday is also available now!
The 2026 Bletchingly Stakes shapes as a cracking end to the winter racing features, and with a handful of key runners landing ideal setups, there’s no shortage of contenders with genuine claims at this year’s title. Cosmic Crusader arrives with genuine Group 1 authority and a dream inside draw, Winnasedge is airborne at Caulfield and won’t give anyone a cheap lead, while Miraval Rose looks primed to elevate second‑up at a sweet price. Add in a Soft rated track and a Bletchingly Stakes speed map that rewards tactical pace, and this year’s edition promises a fast, pressure‑laden 1200m dash with value scattered throughout the market. Make the most of your Saturday racing selections now with Neds!
2026 Bletchingly Stakes FAQs
What is the Bletchingly Stakes?
A long‑standing Group 3 sprint run over 1200m at Caulfield, the Bletchingly Stakes traditionally wraps up Melbourne’s winter racing before the early spring hopefuls start to emerge. It’s often the first real look at horses gearing up for bigger assignments in August and September.
When is the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes held?
This year’s edition runs on Saturday, July 25, scheduled as Race 7 at 3:50pm (AEST) on a strong Caulfield program.
How far is the Bletchingly Stakes?
The race is contested over 1200 metres, a trip that rewards sprinters with tactical speed and the ability to quicken around Caulfield’s tighter turns.
Where is the Bletchingly Stakes run?
The Bletchingly is staged at Caulfield Racecourse, a venue known for favouring horses who can take up a position and handle the sharp home bend.
Who won the Bletchingly Stakes last year?
Bridal Waltz claimed the 2025 running, adding her name to a list of high‑quality winners that includes Apache Cat, Smokin’ Joey, Scales Of Justice and King Of Sparta.
What matters most in the Bletchingly Stakes barrier draw?
Inside alleys are gold at Caulfield over 1200m. Horses drawn low can hold a spot early, while wide runners often need to burn petrol to cross or risk being trapped deep.
Who are the favourites for the 2026 Bletchingly Stakes?
Cosmic Crusader heads the market after drawing the inside gate, with Winnasedge and Miraval Rose next in line following strong Monash Stakes form.
Does the Bletchingly Stakes influence early spring form?
Absolutely. Many horses use this race as a launching pad into Group races through August and early September, making it a key early‑spring pointer.
What are the best 2026 Bletchingly Stakes tips?
Cosmic Crusader is the standout on class, Winnasedge is the major danger with proven Caulfield form, and Miraval Rose shapes as the value runner second‑up.