The PB Lawrence 2025 Preview
What is The PB Lawrence?
The P.B. Lawrence Stakes is a Group 2 Thoroughbred horse race held annually in Melbourne. It is run over 1,400 metres at Caulfield, typically in August, and is open to horses aged four years and older under weight-for-age conditions.
Race History
The race was first held in 1949 and was originally known as the J.J. Liston Stakes, renamed in 2011 to honour Peter B. Lawrence, a former chairman of the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC). As one of the early feature races in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, the P.B. Lawrence Stakes often serves as a lead-up event for horses targeting major spring races like the Cox Plate or the Caulfield Cup. The event attracts high-quality fields and is a key form guide for racing fans and punters alike. Prize money currently sits at 300,000 AUD.
Previous Winners of The PB Lawrence
In recent years, Gentleman Roy claimed the 2024 honours, giving Team Hayes back-to-back victories after Mr Brightside won in both 2022 and 2023. Before that, Sierra Sue saluted in 2021, while Savatiano held off a strong field in 2020. Mystic Journey, the Tassie star, dominated in 2019, and Hartnell, one of Godolphin’s greats, powered home in 2017. The list of latest winners also includes classy types like Showtime, Miss Rose De Lago, Mourinho, Star Rolling, and the imported grey Puissance De Lune. Each added their mark to a race that continues to set the tone for the spring.
Latest Odds
The 2024 P.B. Lawrence Stakes is shaping up as a ripper, with Private Eye leading the betting at $3.50. The proven Group 1 performer looks well-placed first-up and has drawn solid early support. Not far behind in the market is Evaporate at $3.90, who’s been ultra-consistent and comes from the ever-dangerous Hayes stable. Stablemate Here to Shock sits on the third line at $7, having shown strong recent form and should appreciate the 1400m trip.
Other Runners
Sepals ($7.50) and Desert Lightning ($8.50) are both expected to be right in the finish if the race sets up to their liking. Moira ($13) and Pinstriped ($16) appeal as decent hopes for value punters, while Yellow Sam is ticking along alright and could surprise at $19.00. Attrition ($31) and Anisette ($46) are on the longer end of the market but you can’t completely rule them out in what looks like a wide-open renewal.
Tips for The PB Lawrence 2025
The pickabookie.com.au selection for the race is Moira. The Chris-Waller imported runner is currently around $13 to win and $3.50 to place. Having made a solid but unspectacular debut in Australia in the Doncaster Mile, where the speed was against her. It is interesting to see Waller opening her campaign over 1400m which looks as if it is her best trip. She has an impressive 2 wins and 2 places from 5 first up races so clearly goes well fresh. In what appears an open race Moira certainly looks to be the value bet for punters.
Please remember to think before you bet. Stay in control, set limits, and seek support if gambling is no longer fun. Head to https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ if you require help.