The feature race at Caulfield this Saturday is the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m), where the market says it is an open race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for 2026 Bletchingly Stakes.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Cosmic Crusader: Ability wise, he has 10 lengths on this field. But one soft jumpout, first look below 1200m, eyes on the Cox Plate…he’s not here to play, surely, and for mine, is a clear false favourite.
2. Recommendation: Recommendation has run well in this race previously. He ran in the Monash when back near last in the run but worked home with real purpose behind Winnasedge. Can settle on speed and be effective late, so for me, he rates highly.
3. Zou Sensation: Zou Sensation looks a massive price here. He had two runs to try and get into the Stradbroke but failed in the Moreton Cup and was spelled. Back home, jumped out super since, I think he’ll run a beauty at odds.
4. Aztec Ruler: Handy horse from WA having his first run for Matt Laurie but happy to watch.
5. Title Fighter: Looks outclassed.
6. Watchme Win: Watchme Win was very good in the Monash I thought, working home pretty well from off speed when a close up fourth to Winnasedge. He was first up there so fitter and rising to 1200m, he should take beating.
7. Winnasedge: Right place right time to win his past two, the latest being the Monash. I do think he’s more effective at 1000m/1100m vs 1200m, but hard fit and in form, he does command respect.
8. Miraval Rose: The eye catcher in the Monash and maps to settle closer. Good upside, she’s in the mix.
9. Samangu: Big price IMO. Good effort fresh and then the Santa Ana Lane Final was a barrier trial. I think she’ll run much better than her SP.
2026 Bletchingly Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win / $80 Place Zou Sensation
2026 Bletchingly Stakes Speed Map
He was back near last in the Monash but I think a dig in the ribs here and Recommendation leads comfortably, with minimal pressure from Winnasedge and Miraval Rose. I think they might ride Zou Sensation with intent as well.
Bletchingly Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COSMIC CRUSADER (NZ) | Andrea Leek | Daniel Stackhouse | 1 | 58.5kg |
| 2 | RECOMMENDATION | Ciaron Maher | Thomas Stockdale | 9 | 58.5kg |
| 3 | ZOU SENSATION | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | Jamie Mott | 8 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | AZTEC RULER | Matt Laurie | Patrick Moloney | 3 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | TITLE FIGHTER | Clayton Douglas | Luke Cartwright (a) | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 6 | WATCHME WIN | Andrew Gluyas | Lachlan Neindorf | 6 | 58.5kg |
| 7 | WINNASEDGE | Nick Ryan | Luke Currie | 5 | 58.5kg |
| 8 | MIRAVAL ROSE | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 2 | 56.5kg |
| 9 | SAMANGU | Grahame Begg | Michael Dee | 4 | 56.5kg |
