Underwood Stakes 2025 Preview

Sep 8, 2025 | Racing News Archive

The Underwood Stakes 2025

The Underwood Stakes 2025

The Underwood Stakes 2025 is shaping up to be another blockbuster Group 1 clash. Run over 1,800 metres, the race is open to horses aged three years and older and is one of the key early staying tests of the spring.

When is The Underwood Stakes 2025?

The Underwood Stakes 2025 will be run on Saturday 20 September 2025 at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne.

Who Won Last Year’s Underwood Stakes?

The Underwood Stakes consistently delivers top-level performances with Buckaroo for Chris Waller winning in 2024.

Race History

First run in 1924, the race has a long and prestigious history and has traditionally served as an important lead-up to major spring targets such as the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. The Underwood often attracts the best middle-distance and staying horses in training, and its 1,800-metre trip provides an ideal stepping stone for runners building their fitness and stretching out in distance.

Previous Winners of the Underwood Stakes

Alligator Blood triumphed in both 2022 and 2023, asserting himself as one of the premier weight-for-age horses in the country. Zaaki was dominant in 2021, while Russian Camelot announced himself with a classy win in 2020. Homesman took the prize in 2019 in a tight finish, and the mighty Black Heart Bart returned to win in 2018 in a stunning win at the age of nine.

Other Winners

Earlier champions include the incredible, So You Think, Northerly, Elvstroem, and the iconic Bonecrusher. The Underwood Stakes continues to be a key spring contest and a crucial pointer toward the bigger staying races still to come.

Odds & Tips for the Underwood Stakes

Sir Delius is the well fancied favourite at about $2.50 in the early markets this week. After an impressive 2nd when first up in the Chelmsford this import looks set to improve the greater the trip with the aim seemingly being having a run in the Melbourne Cup. 

Also in the market is Buckaroo who came back in decent order when finishing 3rd in the Memsie. He is 1/1 over track and distance and will pose a threat to Sir Delius.

Also in the field is last year’s surprise winner of the Melbourne Cup, Knight’s Choice. He looks likely to go around at about the same odds as when he won the Cup, might be one to include in your top 4 picks. 

The Pickabookie.com.au selection in the race is to back Golden Path to place, currently at about $4. A very honest runner who has an impressive place strike rate and has won over 1800m and won when last out over 1700m, even though this is a step up in class he should be in contention to finish in the top 3. 

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.