Futurity Stakes 2026 Preview
What is the Futurity Stakes?
The Futurity Stakes is one of Australia’s premier Weight-for-Age (WFA) contests—a $750,000 Group 1 clash over 1400m at Caulfield. As a foundation pillar of the Autumn Carnival, it serves as the definitive lead-up to the All-Star Mile. The 1400m start at Caulfield is world-renowned for its “school start” intensity, demanding a horse with the tactical speed to hold a position and the sheer grit to sustain a championship tempo to the line.
Recent Winners of the Futurity Stakes
The Futurity Stakes honour roll is reserved for the elite, consistently won by the “Kings and Queens” of the Australian turf:
- Mr Brightside (2024 & 2025): The modern-day legend who joined the greats by securing back-to-back editions, cementing his status as one of the toughest WFA gallopers in history
- Alligator Blood (2023): The “Gator” proved his 1400m mastery with a dominant front-running display.
- Probabeel (2021): The brilliant Kiwi mare who displayed a freakish turn of foot to defeat the boys
- More Joyous (2011): One of Gai Waterhouse’s finest, who made the Caulfield 1400m her own
- Manikato (1979-1981, 1983): The legendary sprinter who holds the record with four victories in this race
Odds and Tips for the Futurity Stakes 2026
The Pickabookie.com.au experts have locked in the star mare Treasurethe Moment as the “Best Bet of the Day” for the 2026 Futurity Stakes. Set to jump at 15:40 AEDT, this Group 1 appears to be a one-horse show according to the market
There is absolute confidence in Treasurethe Moment, who currently sits as the dominant $1.90 favourite. Her weight-for-age ratings simply tower over this field. Her 2/2 over the course and distance makes her the one to be on and she could be incredibly difficult to catch once she finds her rhythm.
The only significant threats in the market are the Godolphin warrior Pericles ($8.00) and the progressive Evaporate ($8.00), who are the only other runners quoted at single-figure odds. While Pericles is a proven top-tier performer and Evaporate brings the fresher legs of a rising star, they face a monumental task to reel in the favourite if she gets an uncontested lead.
The Pickabookie team expects Treasurethe Moment to control the race from the outset. With Damian Lane in the saddle and a perfect draw in barrier 6, she is expected to run them ragged. For punters looking for a “banker” this Saturday, Treasurethe Moment is the clear standout to add another Group 1 to her resume.
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