Toorak Handicap 2025 Preview

Sep 9, 2025 | Racing News Archive

Toorak Handicap 2025

Toorak Handicap 2025 Preview

Get ready for a thrilling renewal of the Toorak Handicap 2025 at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne’s premier Group 1 handicap mile. This iconic race draws Australia’s best middle-distance horses and is a highlight of the Spring Carnival.

What is the Toorak Handicap?

The Toorak Handicap is a Group 1 Thoroughbred race held annually at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. Run over 1,600 metres under handicap conditions, it is open to horses aged three years and older.

When is the Toorak Handicap 2025?

Traditionally held in early October during the spring carnival, the Toorak Handicap is one of the premier mile handicaps in Australia and attracts a strong field of quality middle-distance runners.

Race History

The Toorak Handicap first raced in 1881, meaning it has over 140 years of history as a premier event for top-class milers. Over the decades, this legendary race has produced many memorable finishes and racing legends.

Who Won Last Year’s Toorak Handicap?

The 2024 winner was Antino, who surged late under a cool ride to claim victory.

 

Previous Winners of the Toorak Handicap

In 2023, Attrition delivered a big finish to land the win, proving too strong in the closing stages. Tuvalu took out the 2022 edition with a bold  effort, while in 2021, I’m Thunderstruck stormed home from the back to score an eye-catching win.

Other Winners

Mr Quickie was too good in 2020, finishing strongly with top weight. Fierce Impact produced a powerful run to win in 2019, while Land of Plenty claimed the 2018 race with a determined finish.

Latest Odds 

Sepals heads the market after 2 wins from 2 this campaign and is a worthy $3.60 favourite in the early markets. Lazzura is on the next line of betting at about $6 as trainer Chris Waller goes in search of more Group 1 wins this spring. James McDonald is on board  so we expect the odds to tighten up come race day.

Evaporate for the Hayes boys is also at about $6 and after an unlucky first run proved his class when winning last time out.

Tips for The Toorak Handicap 2025

The Pickabookie.com.au experts have gone for a bit of value in this race by selecting the NZ Derby winner, Willydoit at about $20 to win and $4.50 to place. If the team decide to send him to this race as opposed to an option up in Sydney expect him to get support on race day and to come home late and fast to be right in the finish. 

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.