One of the feature races at Randwick this Saturday is the Flight Stakes (1600m), where the market suggests an open and competitive contest.
Below is our speed map, runner-by-runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Flight Stakes.
2026 Flight Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Bangkok Hottie: She’s had on speed control, ridden with intent, which has helped her win the Furious and Tea Rose. I do have slight queries on her running 1600m and not sure she has the upside of a couple of others.
2. Striking Alibi: Striking Alibi is the clear threat to Global Goal IMO. Real eye catcher in the Furious and was good late from off speed in the Tea Rose. With a soft run, 1600m looks ideal and has the Waller polish in a Grand Final. Commands respect.
3. Global Goal: Global Goal has looked the obvious for this race all prep and it’s hard to ignore her. Just found them a bit sharp in the Tea Rose two weeks ago but loved the way she kept chasing and finding the line in defeat. She’ll love 1600m, she’s a clear top seed.
4. Queen’s Gamble: Tommy Berry said after the Tea Rose he felt the filly was looking for the paddock…can understand why they’re here, but I think she’s up against it.
5. De Armas: I think she is quite talented and will make the grade in time…just think she is one run away.
6. Sumac: Sumac can run first four. She is still a maiden but is talented and didn’t disgrace herself in the Tea Rose behind Bangkok Hottie. Doubt she wins, but she’ll love 1600m and could pinch first four at a price.
7. Parisest Magic: Would be a good thing in a maiden. Not up to these.
2026 Flight Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Global Goal @ $2.80
Group l Strategy Outlay: $800
Group l Strategy Return: $190
2026 Flight Stakes Speed Map
On paper, Bangkok Hottie could get complete front end control, but I suspect a couple may be ridden with early intent, namely Striking Alibi, who may get box seat, and Queen’s Gamble, who has Tommy Berry, a rider who can show initiative.
Flight Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BANGKOK HOTTIE | David Payne | Kerrin McEvoy | 3 | 56kg |
| 2 | STRIKING ALIBI | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 56kg |
| 3 | GLOBAL GOAL | John Sargent | Dylan Gibbons | 5 | 56kg |
| 4 | QUEEN’S GAMBLE | Matthew Smith | Tommy Berry | 7 | 56kg |
| 5 | DE ARMAS (NZ) | Chris Waller | Zac Lloyd | 1 | 56kg |
| 6 | SUMAC | Lee & Cherie Curtis | Jason Collett | 6 | 56kg |
| 7 | PARISEST MAGIC | Alexandre Lemarie | Ms Rachel King | 4 | 56kg |
