One of the premier three-year-old contests of the spring lands at Rosehill this weekend, with $1 million in prize money up for grabs, and the Neds form team has done the hard work with our 2026 Golden Rose Stakes betting tips, predictions and favourites, breaking down the key chances, market movers and best value plays in this year’s outstanding field.
The Group 1 $1 million Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) is one of the headline three-year-old races of the Sydney Spring Carnival, and this year’s edition has all the makings of a ripper with a talented field of emerging stars set to do battle at Rosehill.
Guest House heads Golden Rose betting after an explosive first-up win in the San Domenico Stakes and looks the horse they all have to beat as he chases a second Group 1 victory. The Golden Slipper winner has been heavily backed by punters and appears ideally placed to handle the step up to 1400m.
The powerful Chris Waller stable looms as the biggest threat, led by St Gotthard, who hit the line strongly when runner-up in the Run To The Rose and is set to strip fitter second-up. Fellow Waller runner Tron Bolt brings proven Group 1 form, while Warwoven commands plenty of respect after winning the traditional Golden Rose lead-up and profiles as a genuine each-way contender.
With elite juvenile form, exciting spring prospects and value right across the market, the Golden Rose once again shapes as one of the season’s premier betting races for three-year-olds.
Below you’ll find our full Golden Rose Stakes 2026 preview, plus Same Race Multi selections to add value to those exotics!
2026 Golden Rose Stakes Favourites & Best Bets
GUEST HOUSE (5) is the runner all others have to catch in this year’s Golden Rose after returning in devastating fashion with a dominant San Domenico Stakes victory at Rosehill.
The Golden Slipper-winning colt could hardly have been more impressive first-up, cruising into the race before putting his rivals away and maintaining his unbeaten record at the track.
Drawn to get every favour from barrier five, the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained star maps for another perfect run under Zac Lloyd, who remains undefeated aboard him.
The rise to 1400m is the only genuine question mark, but his elite juvenile form, explosive fresh performance and ideal racing pattern suggest he’ll relish the challenge.
Add in the strong historical trend of Golden Rose winners coming through a successful lead-up run, and it’s easy to see why the market has him on top.
In a high-quality field packed with talent, Guest House looks the safest betting proposition and our top selection to win the 2026 Golden Rose .
| 1. Guest House (5) J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg 231×1 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m defeating Blue Door carrying 58.5kg at $7. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings) at Caulfield on February 7 over 1100m, 1.0 len behind Closer To Free with 57kg at $2.20. Outstanding colt who sets up well for this over the 1400m. | |||
If you’re looking beyond the favourite, WARWOVEN (1) appeals as the standout value play after proving his credentials with a strong win in the Run To The Rose, the traditional Golden Rose lead-up.
The Bjorn Baker-trained colt has improved with each run this campaign and arrives here at the right time, having turned the tables on several key rivals last start at Rosehill.
His form around the track is hard to knock, with two wins from four starts at the venue, while the inside draw should allow Rachel King to secure a soft run from the outset.
There’s also a strong historical angle in his favour, with past Golden Rose winners often emerging through the Run To The Rose pathway.
If Warwoven can take another step forward third-up, he has the profile of a horse capable of testing the favourite deep into the final furlong.
At the current quote, Warwoven shapes as the best each way bet in the 2026 Golden Rose Stakes and looks over the odds in a race where he should get every chance.
| 4. Warwoven (1) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 16×51 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 5th of 8 in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, 3 len behind Guest House carrying 57kg at $7.50. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m defeating St Gotthard carrying 57kg at $8. Gets the gun run and has solid top three prospects. | |||
Looking for a blowout chance in the Golden Rose? STORMY MARCO (12) is the runner that appeals at big odds.
The Chris Waller-trained colt has already shown he can measure up against the better three-year-olds, finishing a close third in the JJ Atkins before a brave first-up second in the Ming Dynasty at this track and distance.
The son of Wootton Bassett was charging late after conceding a significant weight advantage to the winner last start and looks set to improve sharply with that run under his belt.
While the wide draw isn’t ideal, Golden Rose history suggests it’s far from a race-ending obstacle, and proven big-race jockey Craig Williams is more than capable of working out a winning passage.
With proven 1400m form, strong second-up credentials and a much bigger price than several rivals with comparable form, Stormy Marco profiles as the value roughie who can outrun his odds and sneak into the placings.
| 8. Stormy Marco (11) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 183×2 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality at this track on September 12 over 1400m, 0.6 len behind Persian Wonder carrying 58.5kg at $8. Previously second-up 8th of 16 in the G2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1400m, slow going 3.5 len behind Berzelius carrying 57kg at $11. Excellent return but probably looking for the 1600m now. | |||
2026 Golden Rose Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 2 – No. 1 Guest House
- Top 3 – No. 4 Warwoven
- Top 5 – No. 8 Stormy Marco
GUEST HOUSE (5)Â looks the anchor of the multi to run Top 2, bringing elite form, an unbeaten Rosehill record and the profile of a colt destined to be right in the finish again.
WARWOVEN (1) is a strong Top 3 selection after his Run To The Rose win, with the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding ideally drawn and seemingly peaking at the perfect time this preparation.
STORMY MARCO (12)Â rounds out the play to run Top 5, with the Chris Waller colt offering plenty of value after his eye-catching Ming Dynasty effort and looking capable of improving second-up despite the wide gate.
| 1. Guest House (5) J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg 231×1 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m defeating Blue Door carrying 58.5kg at $7. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings) at Caulfield on February 7 over 1100m, 1.0 len behind Closer To Free with 57kg at $2.20. Outstanding colt who sets up well for this over the 1400m. | |||
| 4. Warwoven (1) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 16×51 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 5th of 8 in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, 3 len behind Guest House carrying 57kg at $7.50. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m defeating St Gotthard carrying 57kg at $8. Gets the gun run and has solid top three prospects. | |||
| 8. Stormy Marco (11) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 183×2 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality at this track on September 12 over 1400m, 0.6 len behind Persian Wonder carrying 58.5kg at $8. Previously second-up 8th of 16 in the G2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1400m, slow going 3.5 len behind Berzelius carrying 57kg at $11. Excellent return but probably looking for the 1600m now. | |||
Golden Rose Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Guest House (5) J: Zac Lloyd 56.5kg 231×1 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m defeating Blue Door carrying 58.5kg at $7. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings) at Caulfield on February 7 over 1100m, 1.0 len behind Closer To Free with 57kg at $2.20. Outstanding colt who sets up well for this over the 1400m. | |||
| 2. Campione D’Italia (7) J: Ben Melham 56.5kg 412×7 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months ran second last of 8 in the G3 Show County Quality at Randwick on August 22 over 1200m, slow going 5 len behind Midnight In Tokyo with 56.5kg at $5.50. Previously second-up won by a nose in the G2 Skyline Stakes at Randwick on February 28 over 1200m in soft going defeating Central Europe with 56.5kg at $41. Poor first up and happy to watch. | |||
| 3. Tron Bolt (10) J: Damian Lane 56.5kg 111×7 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months eased back early on 7th of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 4 len behind Warwoven carrying 58.5kg at $21. Previously second-up ran on from midfield and won by 3 len in a 2yo Hcp at Randwick Kensington on May 13 over 1400m defeating Rolling Home carrying 56.5kg at $2.70. Will go back from the draw and be ridden for luck. | |||
| 4. Warwoven (1) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 16×51 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 5th of 8 in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, 3 len behind Guest House carrying 57kg at $7.50. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m defeating St Gotthard carrying 57kg at $8. Gets the gun run and has solid top three prospects. | |||
| 5. St Gotthard (9) J: James McDonald 56.5kg 11×2 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months sat on speed throughout when 2nd of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, long-neck behind Warwoven with 57kg at $2.60. Previously second-up favourite; scored a big 4 len win in the G3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic at Gold Coast on May 9 over 1200m defeating Silken Salute carrying 57kg at $2.40. Strips fitter second up and the booking of J Mac is a good guide to his chances. | |||
| 6. Cormier (6) J: Aaron Bullock 56.5kg 122×0 T: Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months ran second last of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 5 len behind Warwoven carrying 55kg at $18. Previously second-up came from midfield; 2nd of 9 in a 2yo Hcp at this track on May 30 over 1300m, on a wet track; 2 len behind Tron Bolt with 57kg at $2.80. Tongue-tie comes off and hard to see him turn the tables. | |||
| 7. Berzelius (8) J: Nash Rawiller 56.5kg 15×68 T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 6th of 8 in the G3 San Domenico Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, 3 len behind Guest House carrying 57.5kg at $51. Second run from a spell eased back early on 8th of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 4 len behind Warwoven with 57.5kg at $51. Going better than his two runs suggest, keep safe. | |||
| 8. Stormy Marco (11) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 183×2 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality at this track on September 12 over 1400m, 0.6 len behind Persian Wonder carrying 58.5kg at $8. Previously second-up 8th of 16 in the G2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1400m, slow going 3.5 len behind Berzelius carrying 57kg at $11. Excellent return but probably looking for the 1600m now. | |||
| 9. Under Focus (4) J: Dylan Gibbons 56.5kg 13×63 T: Kris Lees | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 6th of 13 in a LR The Rosebud at this track on August 15 over 1100m, slow going 3 len behind Chilly Girl carrying 57kg at $9. Second-up 3rd of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 1.5 len behind Warwoven carrying 55kg at $6. Flying under the radar and worth thought. | |||
| 10. Central Europe (12) J: Tim Clark 56.5kg 23×34 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 3rd of 13 in a LR The Rosebud at this track on August 15 over 1100m, slow going 2 len behind Chilly Girl with 57.5kg at $5.50. Last start 4th of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 1.75 len behind Warwoven with 55kg at $5. Has to raise the bar to be competitive in this line-up. | |||
| 11. Plagiarism (3) J: Regan Bayliss 56.5kg 7×319 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Last start sat on the speed throughout before fading 9th of 11 in a G2 The Run To The Rose at this track on September 12 over 1200m, 5 len behind Warwoven carrying 57kg at $19. The race before that won by 0.7 len in the G3 Up and Coming Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1300m defeating Genesis Runner with 55kg at $8. The final 200m is the big query. | |||
| 13. Tenenbaum (2) J: Chad Schofield 56.5kg 14×13 T: Brad Widdup | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.25 len in a 3yo Bm64 at Canterbury on August 26 over 1200m in soft going defeating Yangzi River with 61kg at $2.05. Second run from a spell 3rd of 10 in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality at this track on September 12 over 1400m, 0.8 len behind Persian Wonder with 54kg at $4.80. Can sneak into the minor money. | |||
| 12. Castillo King (10) Scratched: | |||
Golden Rose Stakes FAQs
The 2025 Golden Rose Stakes was won by three-year-old Bivouac colt Beiwacht at $9 for trainer Chris Waller with jockey Adam Hyeronimus aboard on 56.5kg from barrier 2 to win by 4.14 lengths on a Good (4) track in a new track record time of 1:20.79.
The Run To The Rose is widely regarded as the key lead-up race, with numerous Golden Rose winners having come through the Group 2 event in recent years, including horses that completed the coveted Run To The Rose-Golden Rose double.
Chris Waller looks to hold a powerful hand in 2026 with multiple runners engaged, including leading contenders St Gotthard, Tron Bolt and Stormy Marco.
Barriers 4 and 6 have both produced four Golden Rose Stakes winners between 2000 and 2025 most recently Mourinho (barrier 4 in 2015) and Black Heart Bart (barrier 6 in 2019). Barrier 2 is the most recent Golden Rose Stakes winning barrier with Beiwacht in 2025. Seven Golden Rose Stakes winners from 2000-2025 jumped from double-digit gates most recently Trapeze Artist (14 in 2017). Barrier 16 is the widest barrier to produce a Golden Rose Stakes winner between 2000 and 2025 with Zoustar saluting from the outside alley in 2013.
The race is often won by proven two-year-old performers returning in the spring, particularly Group winners and horses coming off a strong first or second-up run in a recognised lead-up race.
Absolutely. The honour roll features a host of future stars including The Autumn Sun, Bivouac, Zoustar, Astern and Exosphere, highlighting the race’s reputation as a launching pad for elite stallions and Group 1 performers.
Many punters focus on runners coming through the Run To The Rose or San Domenico Stakes, while others target proven Rosehill performers and horses with strong second-up records.
At longer odds, Stormy Marco appeals as one of the more intriguing value runners after his strong first-up effort in the Ming Dynasty and proven form against several of his key rivals.
You can find the latest Golden Rose Stakes betting tips, predictions, market movers, favourites and race day analysis right here on the Neds Racing Blog in the lead-up to the race.