The feature race at Warwick Farm on Monday is the Australia Day Cup (2400m), where trainer Ciaron Maher seemingly has a stranglehold on the race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Australia Day Cup.
2026 Australia Day Cup Runner Preview:
1. Future History: Slogged it out best to win the January Cup last Saturday at Rosehill. He led throughout and gave nothing else a look in to win and win well. 2400m is fine, hard fit, in career best form, he’ll only run well.
2. Saint George: SCR
3. Unspoken: Unspoken was a real eye catcher in the Christmas Cup. He got back off speed and spotted those in front too much head start but did like the way he finished his race off in defeat when third to Tavi Time. If he can settle closer, he’ll take holding out.
4. Newfoundland: He is the one with fresh legs and good upside. Did more than enough first up at Randwick behind Unlimited and the tick-over trial was pretty good. If there is different form to the fore, this is the guy. Market watch.
5. Elliptical: Elliptical ran third to Unlimited two weeks back at Wyong. He got into a decent spot in transit and tracked into the race with purpose. He tried hard but couldn’t quite finish off well enough when third. Racing well, nearing a win, commands respect.
6. Age Of Sail: Just fair at Wyong behind Unlimited and I think needs it a fraction easier.
7. Bacio Del Mist: Very honest mare that tried hard in the January Cup but was comfortably held. Doubt she turns the tables but can run first four.
8. Ardakan: SCR
2026 Australia Day Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win / $80 Place — Unspoken (Tote/SP)
Australia Day Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FUTURE HISTORY (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Adam Hyeronimus | 3 | 61kg | ||||
| 3 | UNSPOKEN (IRE) | Peter Snowden | Chad Schofield | 4 | 58kg | ||||
| 4 | NEWFOUNDLAND (IRE) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 5 | 54kg | ||||
| 5 | ELLIPTICAL | Chris Waller | Andrew Adkins | 6 | 53kg | ||||
| 6 | AGE OF SAIL (GB) | Kris Lees | Tyler Schiller | 1 | 53kg | ||||
| 7 | BACIO DEL MIST (NZ) | Lee & Cherie Curtis | Ms Alysha Collett | 8 | 53kg | ||||
Australia Day Cup Odds
2026 Australia Day Cup Speed Map
Future History loves to dominate from the front so I suspect he leads. Ardakan should press forward and despite being just second up, I suspect they’ll ride Newfoundland with intent. But, Future History should get front end control.