One of the key races at Caulfield this Saturday is the Peter Young Stakes (1800m), where the field looks rather intriguing.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Peter Young Stakes.
2026 Peter Young Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Light Infantry Man: I think Light Infantry Man is hard to beat. He resumed with a bang in the Carlyon Cup. Late market push said he was near unbeatable and won accordingly despite looking in trouble on numerous occasions. Class kicked in and he was much too good. Tick over jumpout was strong, he can settle forward and will just keep on fighting.
2. Buckaroo: Buckaroo looks the top seed if he’s ready to go. He resumed in the Futurity and ran out of his skin in defeat I thought behind Pericles, closing with real purpose. If he’s over the issue he had last week, he takes a power of beating.
3. Apulia: Apulia should appreciate a rise to 1800m after resuming over the mile in the Blamey two weeks back. He got back to near last off speed and was never really threatening but kept chasing and was quite good in defeat. Fitter and up in trip, he’s a definite improver.
4. Bankers Choice: He can pull out a run fresh and has trialled well for the return but he’s well and truly up against these.
5. Birdman: Gave them a start and a beating in an impressive performance in the Blamey. He’s come back in beast mode and despite the mini set back, he commands respect.
6. Whisky On The Hill: Ticking along beautifully towards something like the Mornington Cup. He’s not up to these.
7. Chief Little Rock: Very interesting runner is Chief Little Rock. Former Irish galloper that makes his Australian debut for Team Freedman, I dare say here with the Cups in mind for later in the year. His last run was the King George VII at Royal Ascot in 2024 when down the track behind Calandagan. Given a good break and his jumpout work, notably his latest one, was very good. Keen to see how he goes.
8. Basilinna: Great to see her back at the races but she will need the hit out.
2026 Peter Young Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Light Infantry Man
Peter Young Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (FR) | Ciaron Maher | Harry Coffey | 1 | 59kg |
| 2 | BUCKAROO (GB) | Chris Waller | Jye McNeil | 2 | 59kg |
| 3 | APULIA | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Luke Currie | 7 | 59kg |
| 4 | BANKERS CHOICE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Daniel Stackhouse | 4 | 59kg |
| 5 | BIRDMAN (IRE) | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 6 | 59kg |
| 6 | WHISKY ON THE HILL (GB) | Glen Thompson | Declan Bates | 3 | 59kg |
| 7 | CHIEF LITTLE ROCK (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Ms Jamie Melham | 5 | 59kg |
| 8 | BASILINNA (NZ) | Emma-Lee & David Browne | Dean Yendall | 8 | 57kg |
Peter Young Stakes Odds
2026 Peter Young Stakes Speed Map
I think Light Infantry Man leads for fun and honestly, like harness racing, they may not change their order from barrier position. No early pressure whatsoever so I think Light Infantry Man leads and gets complete control.