Group 1

Manikato Stakes

"The Sprint Under Lights"

Sun, 27 Sept 202632 days to go
⚠️The 2026 edition will be held at Caulfield due to Moonee Valley renovations.

Race Details

1200m
$2,000,000
Group 1
Weight for Age

About This Race

The Manikato Stakes is a Group 1 sprint over 1200m, traditionally held at Moonee Valley under lights on a Friday night. Named after the champion sprinter Manikato, it provides a unique atmosphere for night racing.

History

Named after Manikato, a legendary sprinter who won the race three times (1979-81). Recent winners include Nature Strip and other top sprinters.

On the Calendar

  • It is the richest of 8 feature races on the Caulfield card that day.
  • It is the 3rd richest of 43 feature races scheduled at Caulfield in the 2026-27 season.
  • It is one of 22 Group 1 races run in VIC in 2026-27.
  • Run over 1200m, it is a sprint test and one of 8 races at that trip at Caulfield this season.
  • It falls in September 2026, alongside 29 other feature races in VIC that month.

Track Information

Caulfield Racecourse

Caulfield is a tight-turning track that rewards tactical racing. Home to the prestigious Caulfield Cup, it serves as a major lead-up to the Melbourne Cup. The track's unique layout makes it a true test of a jockey's skills.

Melbourne, VIC
1876
1800m
350m
Turf
40,000
Caulfield CupCaulfield GuineasThousand GuineasBlue Diamond Stakes

Last Run Results (2025)

PosHorseJockeyTrainerOdds
1stCharm StoneBlake ShinnMick Price & Michael Kent Jnr$16.00
2ndBaraqielBen AllenLeon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin-
3rdMagic TimeMichael DeeGrahame Begg-
4thLady ShenandoahJames McDonaldChris Waller-
1:10.01
Good 4
10 runners

Recent Winners

2025Charm StoneBlake ShinnMick Price & Michael Kent Jnr
2024Southport TycoonMark ZahraCiaron Maher
2023Bella NipotinaCraig WilliamsCiaron Maher
2022I Wish I WinJamie KahPeter Moody
2021September RunCraig WilliamsCiaron Maher

Race Facts & Statistics

  • Charm Stone: 2nd Group 1 win (after Robert Sangster Stakes)
  • Run under lights on a Friday night
  • Worth $2,000,000 in 2025
  • Named after legendary sprinter Manikato