Looking for this year’s JRA Cup betting odds, field & form guide? The experts at Neds have put together everything you need to know before this year’s race.
2026 JRA Cup Odds
JRA Cup odds 2026 at Neds give punters an early snapshot of how the leading middle‑distance and staying types are shaping ahead of Caulfield’s Sunday feature. Early JRA Cup betting 2026 markets generally favour fit, progressive runners stepping up to the 2000m trip, along with proven spring performers capable of handling Caulfield’s tighter turns and tactical racing pattern. As key lead‑up races unfold and stables lock in their carnival plans, the JRA Cup odds 2026 tighten quickly, offering punters strong futures angles, market‑movers to track, and value plays on horses ready to elevate toward bigger Group 1 staying targets.
The latest JRA Cup odds followed by the official race finishing order after the event will be available below.
| 1. Royal Supremacy (4) J: Mark Zahra 60kg 331×9 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months 9th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Kingswood with 60.5kg at $31. Previously second-up 3rd of 13 in the G3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben on May 16 over 2000m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Middle Earth carrying 58.5kg at $7.20. Did enough fresh and will be fitter with an ideal map. | |||
| 2. Future History (1) J: Ben Melham 59.5kg 436×3 T: Gregory Hickman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months ran on 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. Previously second-up 3rd of 13 in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1800m, slow going head behind Athanatos with 58kg at $8. Nice return with big weight, very wary from the inside gate. | |||
| 3. Detonator Jack (8) J: John Allen 57kg 01822 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Comes off a 43 day let-up. Most recently ran on from midfield; 2nd of 8 in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Darkbonee carrying 59kg at $8. The run before that 2nd of 10 in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1800m, slow going long-neck behind First Chorus carrying 59.5kg at $18. Up in trip now can suit, hard to knock. | |||
| 4. Land Legend (14) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 729×0 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months got back early 10th of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 6 len behind St Lawrence carrying 59.5kg at $18. Previously second-up 7th of 13 in the LR Anniversary Vase at this track on April 11 over 1600m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Al Duca carrying 57.5kg at $14. See again. | |||
| 5. Torranzino (9) J: Celine Gaudray 56.5kg 8215x T: Paul Preusker | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign fifth of 24 at Flemington in the G1 Melb Cup November 4 over 3200m, soft track; 8 len behind Half Yours with 51kg at $31. When resuming last campaign eighth of 10 at Moonee Valley So You Think September 6 2025 over 1500m, 6 len behind Desert Lightning with 58.5kg at $51. Good stayer who will improve for the run. | |||
| 6. Smokin’ Romans (2) J: Jabez Johnstone 55.5kg 23246 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Comes here off a 36-day let-up. Most recently couldn’t go on with it; 6th of 10 in a Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 2400m, on heavy track; 6 len behind Nearco Frod with 60kg at $7.50. The run before that 4th of 8 in a Bm100 at Flemington on August 1 over 2000m, 7 len behind See That Storm with 58.5kg at $3.10. Best probably behind him but drawn well and can figure. | |||
| 7. Newlook (7) J: Michael Dee 55kg 574×9 T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months ran last of 9 in a So You Think at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m, slow going 13 len behind Evaporate carrying 59kg at $61. Previously second-up 5th of 14 in the G3 NE Manion Cup at Rosehill on March 21 over 2400m, slow going 1.0 len behind Mr Monaco with 53kg at $41. See again. | |||
| 8. Suntora (6) J: Daniel Stackhouse 54kg 33×65 T: Nick Ryan | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming got back early 6th of 12 in a Bm100 at this track on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Fancify with 57.5kg at $91. Second-up 5th of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 3 len behind St Lawrence with 55.5kg at $12. Fitter again and can peak up in trip. | |||
| 9. Newfoundland (10) J: Declan Bates 54kg 5190x T: Shane Jackson | |||
| First-up. Finished off last campaign 15th of 18 at Morphettville in the G2 Adl Cup March 9 over 3200m, 30 len behind American Wolf with 54kg at $6. Previously first up; fifth of 11 at Randwick Bm88 December 27 over 2000m, 4 len behind Unlimited with 59kg at $20. Prefer to see. | |||
| 10. See That Storm (5) J: Craig Williams 54kg x7017 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Comes here off a 29-day let-up. At the latest run 7th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 5 len behind Saint George with 55.5kg at $13. Before that raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by a long-neck in a Bm100 at Flemington on August 1 over 2000m defeating Star Of India carrying 54kg at $3.80. Can bounce back on top of the ground. | |||
| 11. Darkbonee (11) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 3×210 T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Returns from a 29-day let-up. At the latest run 13th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 8 len behind Saint George carrying 54.5kg at $2.45. The race before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m on a rain affected track defeating Detonator Jack with 53kg at $2.70. Burnt punters last time, wide draw and more room can see him bounce back. | |||
| 12. Autumn Mystery (12) J: Teo Nugent 54kg 93×06 T: Rory Hunter | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 14th of 16 in a Bm84 at this track on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 10 len behind Home Rule with 62kg at $81. Second run from a spell 6th of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 4 len behind St Lawrence carrying 54kg at $41. Risking. | |||
| 13. Blonde Star (3) J: Damien Thornton 54kg 4×024 T: Imogen Miller | |||
| At the latest run came from midfield; 4th of 15 in a Hcp at Flemington on September 12 over 1700m, 3 len behind St Lawrence with 53kg at $71. Before that 2nd in a small field in a Open Hcp at Hobart on August 19 over 1600m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind Rubbleonthedouble carrying 57kg at $7.50. Measured up quite well last time but it doesn’t get any easier. | |||
| 14. Sapphire Siren (13) J: Teo Nugent 54kg 131×1 T: Bill Papazaharoudakis | |||
| Second-up. Comes off a 39-day let-up. First-up after five months favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.5 len in a F&M Bm70 at Sandown-Lakeside on August 19 over 1600m in soft going defeating Eleanor Dumont with 59.5kg at $3.80. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 in a Cl3 at Pakenham on February 26 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Plunger with 55.5kg at $6. Nice mare, this is a big jump in class. | |||
JRA Cup 2026 Tips
Our exclusive JRA Cup 2026 tips will be detailed here the week of the race and a full betting preview available on the Neds Blog.
| 11. Darkbonee (11) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 3×210 T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Returns from a 29-day let-up. At the latest run 13th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 8 len behind Saint George carrying 54.5kg at $2.45. The race before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m on a rain affected track defeating Detonator Jack with 53kg at $2.70. Burnt punters last time, wide draw and more room can see him bounce back. | |||
| 2. Future History (1) J: Ben Melham 59.5kg 436×3 T: Gregory Hickman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months ran on 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. Previously second-up 3rd of 13 in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1800m, slow going head behind Athanatos with 58kg at $8. Nice return with big weight, very wary from the inside gate. | |||
| 5. Torranzino (9) J: Celine Gaudray 56.5kg 8215x T: Paul Preusker | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign fifth of 24 at Flemington in the G1 Melb Cup November 4 over 3200m, soft track; 8 len behind Half Yours with 51kg at $31. When resuming last campaign eighth of 10 at Moonee Valley So You Think September 6 2025 over 1500m, 6 len behind Desert Lightning with 58.5kg at $51. Good stayer who will improve for the run. | |||
Run over 2,000 metres, the JRA Cup is a Group 3 race formerly run at The Valley on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day. In 2026 the JRA Cup has moved forward to join the Manikato Stakes Day card and runs on a Sunday in late September at Caulfield Racecourse with The Valley under redevelopment.
With a $200,000 prize purse, it attracts a quality field of potential Melbourne Cup Carnival hopefuls that may even target a run in the iconic Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on the first Tuesday of November.
Notable JRA Cup winners include The Taj Mahal (2018), Jon Snow (2017), Real Love (2016), The Cleaner (2014), Mourinho (2013), Precedence (2010), Alcopop (2009), Maldivian (2007), El Segundo (2005), Rain Gauge (2001), and Brave Chief (1999).
Maldivian and El Segundo both won the Cox Plate during their careers, but not in the same year as their respective JRA Cup victories.
In 2025, the JRA Cup form was franked with the third placed Middle Earth running in the Melbourne Cup to finish third again in the ‘race that stops a nation’.
JRA Cup 2026 – Quick Information
- Race Day: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Track Location: Moonee Valley Racecourse (Caulfield Racecourse in 2026)
- Track Surface: Turf
- Track Direction: Left-handed
- Race Distance: 2,000 metres
- Weight Conditions: Quality handicap
- Qualification: Open
- Type: Thoroughbred
- Grade: Group 3
- Prize Purse: $200,000
- Inaugural Race: 1993
- 2026 JRA Cup Winner: TBD
JRA Cup 2026 Results
The official 2026 JRA Cup results will be available below once the race takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
- TBD
- TBD
- TBD
JRA Cup Betting 2026
There are many different ways to bet on the JRA Cup, and we have included some of the most popular options below:
| Bet Type | How to Place This Type of Bet on This Year’s JRA Cup |
|---|---|
| Win Bet | Place your bet on the horse you think will take first place in this year’s JRA Cup. |
| Place Bet | Place your bet on the horse you think will place in the top three finishers at this year’s JRA Cup. Pays less than a win bet but offers safer odds. |
| Each-Way Bet | If your runner finishes 1st in the JRA Cup, you will collect both the Win and the Place dividend. If your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd you will collect the Place dividend. |
| Quinella Bet | You must select the runners that finish 1st and 2nd in any order, within the JRA Cup, in order to win the Quinella. |
| Exacta Bet | You must select the runners that finish 1st and 2nd in the correct order, within the JRA Cup to win the Exacta. |
| Trifecta Bet | You must select runners to finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the correct order, within the JRA Cup to win the Trifecta. |
| First Four | You must select runners that finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the correct order, within the JRA Cup to win the First 4. |
| Quadrella Bet (Quaddie) | You must select the winners of four nominated races to win the Quaddie. This means you would have to select three other races apart from the JRA Cup, in order to be eligible to place a Quaddie. |
How to Bet on the JRA Cup in 2026
- Log in at neds
- Make a deposit, using your credit card, PayPal or other safe electronic method
- Make sure to check out form guide, once it’s released
- Decide what kind of bet you’re going to place (Win, Place, Each-Way, Trifecta + more betting options, please read our section on JRA Cup Betting above).
- Select the horse(s) for the race.
Which Horse Will Win the JRA Cup in 2026?
The best way to pick which horse will win the JRA Cup in 2026 is to take into account the form, assess the barriers, consider the weight the horse will carry and check any previous experience at the track.
Additional factors to consider when picking the JRA Cup winner include:
- Lead Up – The Naturalism Stakes, held at Caulfield earlier during the spring may serve as a nice lead-up into the JRA Cup. Future History (2nd in 2024) was the last JRA Cup winner to come via a Naturalism lead-up.
- Valley Factor – Horses well-suited to the tight Moonee Valley circuit make a good bet in the race. Note, in 2026 the event runs at Caulfield.
- Staying Value – Looking for horses with staying form over 2000m and further is key as opposed to milers stepping-up in distance.
JRA Cup 2026 Favourites
Favourites in 2026 JRA Cup betting include the Symon Wilde-trained Darkbonee, Nick Ryan’s mare Suntora who has a good Caulfield strike rate and the Ciaron Maher-trained Land Legend.
Al Galayel ($3.80 in 2020), Ain’tnodeeldun ($2.80 in 2023), and Future History ($3.20 in 2024) are the latest JRA Cup favourites to win.
JRA Cup Field 2026
The official JRA Cup 2026 field of final acceptances is announced by the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) the Wednesday of race week and will be published below.
The 2026 JRA Cup field features a capacity line-up of stayers including the rails-drawn veteran nine-year-old Future History and last spring’s Geelong Cup winner Torranzino racing for the first time since his brave Melbourne Cup fifth.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Royal Supremacy
J: Mark Zahra
T: Ciaron Maher |
0331×9 | G | 4 | 60kg | |
|
2. Future History
J: Ben Melham
T: Gregory Hickman |
x436x3 | G | 1 | 59.5kg | |
|
3. Detonator Jack
J: John Allen
T: Ciaron Maher |
001822 | G | 8 | 57kg | |
|
4. Land Legend
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher |
0729×0 | G | 14 | 56.5kg | |
|
5. Torranzino
J: Celine Gaudray
T: Paul Preusker |
08215x | G | 9 | 56.5kg | |
|
6. Smokin’ Romans
J: Jabez Johnstone
T: Ciaron Maher |
023246 | G | 2 | 55.5kg | |
|
7. Newlook
J: Michael Dee
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
8574×9 | G | 7 | 55kg | |
|
8. Suntora
J: Daniel Stackhouse
T: Nick Ryan |
333×65 | M | 6 | 54kg | |
|
9. Newfoundland
J: Declan Bates
T: Shane Jackson |
x5190x | G | 10 | 54kg | |
|
10. See That Storm
J: Craig Williams
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
2×7017 | G | 5 | 54kg | |
|
11. Darkbonee
J: Jamie Melham
T: Symon Wilde |
13×210 | G | 11 | 54kg | |
|
12. Autumn Mystery
J: Teo Nugent
T: Rory Hunter |
093×06 | G | 12 | 54kg | |
|
13. Blonde Star
J: Damien Thornton
T: Imogen Miller |
14×024 | M | 3 | 54kg | |
|
14. Sapphire Siren
J: Teo Nugent
T: Bill Papazaharoudakis |
x131x1 | M | 13 | 54kg |
JRA Cup Race Day 2026
The 2026 JRA Cup takes place as part of the Manikato Stakes Day card at Caulfield Racecourse and is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026. There are nine races in total held at Caulfield Racecourse that day with racing headlined by the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m). Other feature races on the card that day include the:
- Group 2 W H Stocks Stakes (1600m),
- Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m),
- Group 2 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m), and the
- Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m).
JRA Cup 2026 Barrier Draw
The 2026 JRA Cup barrier draw takes place on the Wednesday leading-up to the race and will be published in our above JRA Cup Field section.
JRA Cup 2026 Nominations
2026 JRA Cup nominations close at 12:00 PM on the Monday of race week.
JRA Cup 2026 Weights
A quality handicap applies to this race. Final 2026 JRA Cup weights will be announced by 4:00 PM on the Monday of race week with final weights to be published in our above JRA Cup Field section.
Future History (58kg in 2024) was the last JRA Cup topweight to win.
2026 JRA Cup Topweight:
- No. 1 Royal Supremacy (60kg)
JRA Cup 2026 Acceptances
2026 JRA Cup final acceptances must be declared before 9:00 AM on the Wednesday of race week and will be published in our above JRA Cup Field section.
JRA Cup 2026 Jockeys
The final riders’ announcement is at 12:00 PM on the Wednesday of race week and the official 2026 JRA Cup jockeys will be published in our above JRA Cup Field section.
JRA Cup 2026 Scratchings
2026 JRA Cup scratchings close at 7:30 AM on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
JRA Cup Prize Money 2026
The 2026 JRA Cup prize money is set at $200,000 in total, distributed from places first through to eighth.
| Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $120,000 |
| 2nd | $36,000 |
| 3rd | $18,000 |
| 4th | $9,000 |
| 5th | $5,000 |
| 6th | $4,000 |
| 7th | $4,000 |
| 8th | $4,000 |
JRA Cup Race Number 2026
The 2026 JRA Cup race number is scheduled as Caulfield Race 3 at 1:50pm (AEST) on Sunday, September 27, 2026. There are nine races in total that day at Caulfield Racecourse.
JRA Cup 2026 Form Guide
The final form guide will be available the week of the race. You can check below for a link to our full 2026 JRA Cup Form Guide following final acceptances.
JRA Cup Live 2026
You can watch or listen to the 2026 JRA Cup live, across the following mediums.
Pay television: Sky Racing 1 (channel 526 on Foxtel)
Free to air television: Channels 78 (and 68 in regional areas)
Radio: Radio Sport National
Streaming: Racing.com
Mobile: Neds App
JRA Cup Winners
Winners of the JRA Cup going back to 2000 are displayed in the table below.
| Year | Winner | Trainer/s | Jockey | Weight | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Star Of India | Chris Waller | Jye McNeil | 54.5 kgs | 2:04.85 |
| 2024 | Future History | Ciaron Maher | Mark Zahra | 58 kgs | 2:06.68 |
| 2023 | Ain’tnodeeldun | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Billy Egan | 56.5 kgs | 2:05.22 |
| 2022 | Desert Icon | Chris Waller | Brett Prebble | 54 kgs | 2:09.17 |
| 2021 | Secret Blaze | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Craig Williams | 54 kgs | 2:04.31 |
| 2020 | Al Galayel | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | Ben Melham | 56 kgs | 2:07.94 |
| 2019 | Captain Cook | Chris Waller | Linda Meech | 54 kgs | 2:06.45 |
| 2018 | The Taj Mahal | Liam Howley | Ben Melham | 58.5 kgs | 2:05.37 |
| 2017 | Jon Snow | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | Stephen Baster | 59 kgs | 2:07.12 |
| 2016 | Real Love | Darren Weir | Brad Rawiller | 58 kgs | 2:05.76 |
| 2015 | Escado | Matt Laurie | Ben Melham | 56.5 kgs | 2:05.88 |
| 2014 | The Cleaner | Mick Burles | Steven Arnold | 59 kgs | 2:05.99 |
| 2013 | Mourinho | Peter Gelagotis | Craig Newitt | 54 kgs | 2:06.14 |
| 2012 | Bianmick | Michael Brady | Darren Gauci | 54 kgs | 2:06.66 |
| 2011 | Dream Pedlar | Troy Blacker | Craig Newitt | 54.5 kgs | 2:08.71 |
| 2010 | Precedence | Bart Cummings | Blake Shinn | 55 kgs | 2:05.31 |
| 2009 | Alcopop | Jake Stephens | Dom Tourneur | 53 kgs | 2:08.41 |
| 2008 | Cefalu | Lee Freedman | Luke Nolen | 54.5 kgs | 2:05.99 |
| 2007 | Maldivian | Mark Kavanagh | Michael Rodd | 56 kgs | 2:05.85 |
| 2006 | Pavlova | Cliff Brown | Ben Melham | 53 kgs | 2:07.00 |
| 2005 | El Segundo | Colin Little | Darren Gauci | 52.5 kgs | 2:07.54 |
| 2004 | Beswinging | Louise Bonella | Dale Smith | 52.5 kgs | 2:12.82 |
| 2003 | General Booth | Tony Vasil | Damien Oliver | 55 kgs | 2:06.74 |
| 2002 | Cheverny | Guy Walter | Glen Boss | 52.5 kgs | 2:07.51 |
| 2001 | Rain Gauge | George Hanlon | Greg Childs | 53.5 kgs | 2:06.29 |
| 2000 | Prince Benbara | Tony Rosolini | Brett Prebble | 51.5 kgs | 2:07.38 |