One of the feature races at Caulfield this Saturday is the Underwood Stakes (1800m), where the market says it will be a ripping contest.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for 2026 Underwood Stakes.
2026 Underwood Stakes Speed Map
Looks pretty straight forward here with Lindermann leading for fun. Cosmic Crusader, you’d assume, is ridden with intent to land on speed, with him maybe getting the 1/1 courtesy of Kingswood.
2026 Underwood Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Lindermann: Lindermann had complete front end control in the Chelmsford two weeks ago and once he gets control in front, gee he is a tough horse to get past and that was the case last start. He should find the top and give an almighty sight.
2. Buckaroo: Buckaroo was a real eye catcher in the Memsie, getting back to near last but I really liked the way he finished his race off in defeat behind Beiwacht. Fitter, up in trip, good jumpout since, he’s one of the hardest to beat.
3. Attrition: I think he’s gone.
4. Pinstriped: Tried hard at Sandown but was held by Evaporate…he’d be big odds here, so I have to be against him.
5. Cosmic Crusader: He looks the most obvious, and his Memsie run was full of merit. Can settle closer, will be within range. Clearly hard to beat, but for mine, is well found.
6. Birdman: Loved the way he closed off in the Memsie and the tick over jumpout was strong. But at the odds, I’d prefer Buckaroo vs Birdman, so he can win without me.
7. Middle Earth: Middle Earth should love getting to firmer footing. He resumed over 1700m here in the Heatherlie where he found them a bit sharp but kept chasing in a good return. The rise to 1800m, firmer deck, class…I think he’ll run very well with eyes towards the Cups.
8. Kingswood: Impressive win in the Heatherlie but I think he’s up against it.
9. Aeliana: SCR
2026 Underwood Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place Buckaroo @ $9.5/$2.1
Group l Strategy Outlay: $400
Group l Strategy Return: $190
Underwood Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LINDERMANN | Chris Waller | Blake Shinn | 1 | 59kg |
| 2 | BUCKAROO (GB) | Chris Waller | Mark Zahra | 8 | 59kg |
| 3 | ATTRITION | Mitchell Freedman | Jamie Mott | 7 | 59kg |
| 4 | PINSTRIPED | Enver Jusufovic | Lachlan Neindorf | 2 | 59kg |
| 5 | COSMIC CRUSADER (NZ) | Andrea Leek | William Pike | 3 | 59kg |
| 6 | BIRDMAN (IRE) | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 4 | 59kg |
| 7 | MIDDLE EARTH (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 5 | 59kg |
| 8 | KINGSWOOD (GB) | Gavin Bedggood | John Allen | 9 | 59kg |
Underwood Stakes Odds
