One of the key races at Randwick this Saturday is the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), where Apocalyptic stifles betting and will jump as the long odds on favourite with the reduced field after a couple of key scratchings.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Light Fingers Stakes.
2026 Light Fingers Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Apocalyptic: Apocalyptic has a bit on these IMO. Class filly for Michael Freedman that won the Flight in the Spring before a gutsy second in the Thousand Guineas. Trialled twice for the return and should be winning this en route to clashing with Tempted in the Surround.
2. Savvy Hallie: Thought she had every chance in The Sunlight and was just fair late behind Grafterburners. No BS here with Nash taking over, but I just don’t think she’s that good.
3. Artistic Venture: Artistic Venture did some nice things when last in work, highlighted by a second to Apocalyptic in the Tea Rose before a midfield finish in the Flight. Given a good break and has looked to trial well for the return, so watch the market.
4. Karinska: Karinska is a filly with an engine under the hood. She last raced in the Thousand Guineas where she looked a tired horse and was never really a factor behind Ole Dancer. Looks to have trialled up nicely for the resumption and should be strong at the end.
5. Sunrays: Sunrays is dangerous as a first four threat. She resumed a fortnight back at Eagle Farm over 1000m. She was just run off her legs and found them too sharp, only getting warm very late in the piece. Fitter and up in distance, her best is good enough to run first four at odds.
6. Queen Of Clubs: One soft trial says no intent. But, Blinkers first time for the first up run says she is here to play. Has the talent to run a cheeky race, but I’d rather watch.
7. Next Jen: SCR
8. Nepo Baby: Did a good job first up against the older horses, but don’t think she is up to these.
9. Wootton Lass: Better suited at 1000m and in a weaker race.
10. Shenandoah River: Reckon she’d be a sneaky Country Championships horse. Not here.
11. Romanticisim: SCR
2026 Light Fingers Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Apocalyptic
Light Fingers Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | APOCALYPTIC | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 1 | 56kg |
| 2 | SAVVY HALLIE | Brad Widdup | Nash Rawiller | 4 | 56kg |
| 3 | ARTISTIC VENTURE | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | Dylan Gibbons | 10 | 56kg |
| 4 | KARINSKA | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 3 | 56kg |
| 5 | SUNRAYS | Kelly Schweida | Zac Lloyd | 5 | 56kg |
| 6 | QUEEN OF CLUBS | Gary Portelli | Ashley Morgan | 2 | 56kg |
| 8 | NEPO BABY | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Tom Sherry | 6 | 56kg |
| 9 | WOOTTON LASS | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Sam Clipperton | 9 | 56kg |
| 10 | SHENANDOAH RIVER | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | Jason Collett | 8 | 56kg |
Light Fingers Stakes Odds
2026 Light Fingers Stakes Speed Map
Bit of speed drawn middle/wide with Savvy Hallie and Nepo Baby being the likely front runners. Wootton Lass will look to spear across. But, does Tommy kick up on Apocalyptic and ride her like the best horse in the race, or opt for a sit.
