One of the key races at Caulfield this Saturday is the Chairman’s Stakes (1000m), where impressive debut winner Big Sky is a clear favourite.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Chairman’s Stakes.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Big Sky: Big Sky looks a talented colt for Price/Kent. He was a sharp debut winner at Flemington two weeks ago, sitting on speed and was absolutely trucking before being clicked up and away he went to win, by a space. Nothing flash on the clock but the way he did it was impressive and for mine is top seed here.
2. Invincible Son: Didn’t do a bad job on debut in the Vic Magic Millions behind Unit Five. Maps to stalk the speed and does have A1 form to say he commands respect.
3. Captive Rock: Jumpout work has been just fair and needs more time, and something easier.
4. Lady Of Five: Did a good job in her first prep in the Spring in Brisbane… but gee the form around her looks suspect and her trial last week at Sandown was so so. Happy for her to go through to the keeper.
5. Mirador: Kept chasing in defeat when second to Big Sky. Looks to have ability but do think this girl has too much ground to make up to turn the tables.
6. Expensive Taste: SCR
7. Jadzia: SCR
8. La Gitana: Beautifully bred filly who has jumped out well and stable is flying with their juveniles, and usually fire this time of year. Definite market watch.
9. Orchid Sky: Thrown in the deep end here, not for me.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Big Sky Tote/SP
Chairman’s Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIG SKY | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Ben Melham | 2 | 59kg |
| 2 | INVINCIBLE SON | Robbie Griffiths | Ms Jamie Melham | 1 | 57kg |
| 3 | CAPTIVE ROCK | Simon Zahra | Thomas Stockdale | 5 | 57kg |
| 4 | LADY OF FIVE | Peter & Will Hulbert | Adin Thompson | 6 | 55kg |
| 5 | MIRADOR | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Luke Currie | 9 | 55kg |
| 8 | LA GITANA | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Damian Lane | 4 | 55kg |
| 9 | ORCHID SKY | Patrick Kearney | Michael Dee | 8 | 55kg |
Chairman’s Stakes Odds
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Speed Map
Big Sky and Lady Of Five look your main speed players. The former should hold the front. Invincible Son and Expensive Taste should settle just off speed but don’t think the tempo will be crash hot.
