The Coolmore Classic, a prestigious Group 1 horse race exclusively for fillies and mares, is set to take place this Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at the iconic Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney, Australia. With a rich history and a substantial prize purse of $1,000,000, the Coolmore Classic consistently draws a competitive field of top-class contenders. This report will delve into the race’s history, analyze past trends, provide key statistics, and offer expert opinions on the potential winners of this year’s edition.
Race Overview
The Coolmore Classic, officially registered as the Tad Kennedy Stakes, is a 1500-meter race run under quality handicap conditions. The minimum top weight at acceptance time is 57kg. It serves as a crucial lead-up to the prestigious Queen Of The Turf Stakes, held at Randwick Racecourse during The Championships in April. Notably, the Coolmore Classic winner gains automatic entry into both the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes. In addition to the substantial prize money, the Coolmore Classic winner is also eligible for a $1 million bonus if they win the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Spring Carnival later in the year. The race is scheduled to start at 4:35pm AEDT.
A Look Back at the Coolmore Classic
Inaugurated in 1973 as the Fillies & Mares Classic, the race was the brainchild of STC administrator George Ryder, who recognized the need for a dedicated Group 1 race for fillies and mares. Prior to its inception, female horses were often disadvantaged when competing against male counterparts in major races, and the Coolmore Classic was a pioneering event in this regard. It was the first Group 1 race specifically for fillies and mares in Australia. The establishment of the Coolmore Classic paved the way for other significant races for fillies and mares, such as the Myer Classic, Sangster Stakes, Tatts Tiara, and Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
Over the years, the race has been known by various names, reflecting its sponsors:
- 1973–1974: Fillies & Mares Classic
- 1975–1976: NSW Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes
- 1977–1978: Marlboro Classic
- 1979–1985: Rosemount Wines Classic
- 1986–1988: Orlando Classic
- 1989–1991: Orlando Wines Classic
- 1992–1995: Winfield Classic
- 1996 onwards: Coolmore Classic
The Coolmore Classic has witnessed numerous memorable moments throughout its history. In 2016, Peeping, trained by Ron Quinton, emerged victorious, but tragically passed away a few weeks later due to a colic attack. In 2020, Con Te Partiro made a remarkable comeback, winning the Coolmore Classic and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes after a failed attempt to get into foal.
Past Winners and Trends
Analyzing past Coolmore Classic winners reveals intriguing trends that can offer valuable insights for predicting potential winners.
Age
Four-year-old mares have demonstrated a strong track record in recent years, with Espiona (2023) and Zougotcha (2024) being the latest to triumph during their four-year-old seasons. However, it’s worth noting that three-year-old fillies have also shown their prowess, winning 8 of the last 31 races, although none since Typhoon Tracy in 2009. The last three-year-old filly to win the Coolmore Classic was Typhoon Tracy in 2009.
Lead-up Races
The Guy Walter Stakes and Millie Fox Stakes have proven to be reliable indicators of Coolmore Classic success. Krone (2021) was the last mare to achieve the Guy Walter Stakes – Coolmore Classic double, while Zougotcha (2024) accomplished the Millie Fox Stakes – Coolmore Classic double.
Barrier Draw
While the barrier draw doesn’t significantly impact the Coolmore Classic odds, barriers 2 and 7 have been the most successful in the past three decades, producing six and four winners respectively. The most successful Coolmore Classic barriers in the past three decades are gates two (six wins) and seven (four wins).
Weight
Carrying a heavier weight in the Coolmore Classic can be a challenging feat. Notable winners who have carried 57kg or more to victory include Sunline, Emancipation, Bounding Away, Steps In Time (2014), Daysee Doom (2018), Krone (2021), and Zougotcha (2024). The lightest weighted Coolmore Classic winner throughout history was Crimson Cloud, who carried 48kgs in 1976.
Favourites
Interestingly, favourites in the Coolmore Classic have a relatively poor record. From 2004 to 2024, only three favourites have emerged victorious: Aloha ($6 in 2011) and Zougotcha ($3.30 in 2024). Despite the popularity of backing favorites, the Coolmore Classic has historically seen a low success rate for favorites, with only three winning since 2004. This suggests that bettors might find better value by looking at horses with longer odds. The only dual winner of the Coolmore Classic is Sunline, who achieved victory in 2000 and 2002.
Prize Money Breakdown
The $600,000 Coolmore Classic prize purse is distributed from first to tenth place as follows:
| Place | Prize Money |
| 1st | $580,000 |
| 2nd | $190,000 |
| 3rd | $96,000 |
| 4th | $42,000 |
| 5th | $21,000 |
| 6th | $10,000 |
| 7th | $10,000 |
| 8th | $10,000 |
| 9th | $8,000 |
| 10th | $8,000 |
2025 Coolmore Classic Field and Odds
The final field for the 2025 Coolmore Classic has been declared, featuring 15 talented fillies and mares. Here’s a closer look at the field, their trainers, jockeys, barriers, weights, and odds:
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight(kg) | Odds (UpCoz) |
| 1 | AMELIA’S JEWEL | Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | Joshua Parr | 6 | 58 | 3.40 |
| 2 | OLENTIA | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 3 | 55.5 | 13.00 |
| 3 | ALSEPHINA | Grant & Alana Williams | Blake Shinn | 5 | 55 | 15.00 |
| 4 | LADY SHENANDOAH | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 13 | 54.5 | 2.80 |
| 5 | MARBLE ARCH (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Tommy Berry | 9 | 54.5 | 13.00 |
| 6 | LADY OF CAMELOT | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 14 | 54 | 8.00 |
| 7 | COEUR VOLANTE (NZ) | Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson | Kerrin McEvoy | 1 | 54 | 9.00 |
| 8 | GRINZINGER BELLE (NZ) | Danny O’Brien | Regan Bayliss | 12 | 53 | 21.00 |
| 9 | FIRESTORM (NZ) | Chris Waller | Tyler Schiller | 15 | 51.5 | 15.00 |
| 10 | MANAAL | Michael Freedman | Ms Rachel King | 11 | 51 | 34.00 |
| 11 | SOUNDS OF HEAVEN (GB) | Joseph Pride | Reece Jones | 4 | 51 | 71.00 |
| 12 | ELETTRICA (NZ) | Richard & Will Freedman | Bailey Wheeler (a) | 7 | 51 | 26.00 |
| 13 | SCARLET OAK | Chris Waller | Zac Lloyd | 2 | 51 | 15.00 |
| 14 | OUR GOLD HOPE | Robert & Luke Price | Ashley Morgan | 10 | 51 | N/A |
| 15 | LAZZURA | Chris Waller | Jay Ford | 8 | 50 | 51.00 |
It’s important to remember that odds can fluctuate, and it’s always advisable to check with your upcoz for the latest updates.
Coolmore Classic Day
The Coolmore Classic Day features a host of other exciting races, including several Group races that serve as key lead-ups to the Golden Slipper Stakes. The key support acts on the card include:
- Group 2 $300,000 Ajax Stakes (1500m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Magic Night Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $350,000 Sky High Stakes (2000m)
- Group 3 $250,000 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m)
Special Events and Promotions
In addition to the thrilling racing action, the Coolmore Classic Day offers various special events and promotions to enhance the race day experience. These include Daily Racing Specials and Bonuses offered by various bookmakers.
Expert Tips and Predictions
While predicting the winner of the Coolmore Classic with absolute certainty is impossible, expert opinions and analysis can help identify potential frontrunners. Based on historical trends, current form, and expert insights, here are some of the top contenders for this year’s race:
- Lady Shenandoah: Trained by Chris Waller and ridden by James McDonald, Lady Shenandoah is a multiple Group 1 winner and currently holds favoritism with most bookmakers. However, it’s worth noting that she is also nominated for the Phar Lap Stakes, and her participation in the Coolmore Classic is not yet confirmed.
- Amelia’s Jewel: This Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained mare enters the race with a strong track record, including a recent victory in the Guy Walter Stakes. She carries the top weight of 58kg, which could pose a challenge, but her form suggests she’s a serious contender.
Roughie to Watch
While the favorites often attract the most attention, the Coolmore Classic has a history of upsets, with many double-figure winners in recent years . This highlights the unpredictable nature of the race and the potential for long-shot bets to pay off. One roughie that could surprise is Scarlet Oak . Trained by Chris Waller, this four-year-old mare has shown promising form and has a favorable barrier draw (2). With odds of 15.00, she presents an enticing option for those looking for a potential upset.
The 2025 Coolmore Classic promises to be a thrilling race, with a field of talented fillies and mares vying for the coveted title. While historical trends and expert opinions can offer valuable insights, the unpredictable nature of horse racing means that any horse in the field could cause an upset. The Coolmore Classic often sees upsets, with many double-figure winners in recent years. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the race and the potential for long-shot bets to pay off. Ultimately, the winner will be determined by a combination of factors, including form, jockey skill, and a touch of luck. For those looking to place a bet, it’s crucial to consider all available information and make an informed decision. Based on the analysis presented in this report, Lady Shenandoah appears to be the horse to beat, given her impressive form and of course the deadly combination McDonald and Waller. However, Amelia’s Jewel and other contenders in the field could certainly challenge her for the win.
