The weekend of February 22nd is shaping up to be a massive one for horse racing in Australia, with several Group 1 races taking place at Caulfield Racecourse. Here’s a look at the three biggest races of the day – the Blue Diamond Stakes, the Oakleigh Plate, and the Futurity Stakes – including expert racing tips and odds for each. We find some value in all 3 Group 1s on the weekend for players of the UPC showdown.
Blue Diamond Stakes
The Blue Diamond Stakes is a 1200-meter race for two-year-old horses held on a left-handed turf track. With a prize purse of $2,000,000, it is considered one of the most prestigious races for two-year-olds in Australia. First run in 1971, the Blue Diamond Stakes has a rich history of showcasing some of the finest young racing talent.
Prize Money Breakdown
The prize money for the Blue Diamond Stakes is distributed as follows:
| Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $1,200,000 |
| 2nd | $360,000 |
| 3rd | $180,000 |
| 4th | $90,000 |
| 5th | $50,000 |
Form Indicators
The form of two-year-old horses can be challenging to assess, but the Blue Diamond Stakes has two major lead-up events that can help: the Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) and the Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings). Most Blue Diamond Stakes winners emerge from these races.
Recent Winners
Here are some of the recent winners of the Blue Diamond Stakes:
- 2024: Hayasugi
- 2023: Little Brose
- 2022: Daumier
Tips and Odds
Based on expert analysis, here are the top contenders for the 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes:
| Horse | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Devil Night | This experienced colt has race experience and is drawn to get a good run. | $3.90 |
| Cherish Me | This filly is a promising contender with jockey Jamie Melham taking the ride. | $7.00 |
| Field Of Play | This colt has tactical speed and a turn of foot, making him a strong contender. | $3.90 |
| Tempted | This filly is expected to perform well over the 1200m distance. | $1.80 |
Oakleigh Plate
The Oakleigh Plate is a Group 1 Thoroughbred open handicap horse race run over a distance of 1100 meters on a turf track. The total prize money for the race is A$750,000. First run in 1884, the Oakleigh Plate is a historic sprint race known for its competitive fields and exciting finishes.
Key Insights
- In-form mares have a strong record in the Oakleigh Plate, with several recent wins. This trend suggests that mares in good form should be considered strong contenders.
- Favorites have a relatively poor record in the Oakleigh Plate. This suggests that there may be value in backing horses with longer odds.
Recent Winners
Here are some of the recent winners of the Oakleigh Plate:
- 2024: Queman
- 2023: Uncommon James
- 2022: Marabi
- 2021: Celebrity Queen and Portland Sky (Dead Heat)
- 2020: Pippie
Tips and Odds
Here are the horses to watch in the 2025 Oakleigh Plate:
| Horse | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| She’s Bulletproof | This consistent mare is coming off a Group 3 win. | $5.00 |
| I Am Me | This mare performed well in The Everest. | $7.00 |
| Hypothetical | This horse is the best bet for each-way betting. | $13 |
Futurity Stakes
The Futurity Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age Thoroughbred horse race for horses three years old and older, run over a distance of 1400 meters on a turf track. The total prize money for the race is A$750,000. First run in 1898, the Futurity Stakes is a historic race that has been contested by some of the greatest names in Australian racing.
Prize Money Breakdown
The prize money for the Futurity Stakes is distributed as follows:
| Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $450,000 |
| 2nd | $135,000 |
| 3rd | $67,500 |
| 4th | $33,750 |
| 5th | $18,750 |
Key Insights
- The CF Orr Stakes, held two weeks prior, is a key lead-up race for the Futurity Stakes. Many horses that perform well in the CF Orr Stakes go on to contest the Futurity Stakes.
- Favorites have a strong record in the Futurity Stakes. This suggests that backing the favorite may be a good strategy.
- Last start winners have a strong record in the Futurity Stakes. This suggests that horses coming off a recent win should be considered strong contenders.
Recent Winners
Here are some of the recent winners of the Futurity Stakes:
- 2024: Mr Brightside
- 2023: Alligator Blood
- 2022: Sierra Sue
- 2021: Probabeel
Tips and Odds
Here are the top contenders for the 2025 Futurity Stakes:
| Horse | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Mr Brightside | This eight-time Group 1 winner is the clear favorite after a strong first-up performance. | $1.85 |
| Private Life | This three-year-old colt offers good value at longer odds. | $26.00 |
| Evaporate | This three-year-old gelding is another contender with the potential to upset the favorites. | $17.00 |
Conclusion
February 22nd promises to be an exciting day for horse racing in Australia, with the Blue Diamond Stakes, Oakleigh Plate, and Futurity Stakes taking center stage at Caulfield Racecourse. The Blue Diamond Stakes, with its $2,000,000 prize purse, showcases the best two-year-old talent in the country. Devil Night, Cherish Me, Field Of Play, and Tempted are among the horses to watch. The Oakleigh Plate, a historic sprint race, offers a competitive field and the potential for upsets, with She’s Bulletproof, I Am Me, and Hypothetical among the contenders. The Futurity Stakes, a weight-for-age contest, features a clash of top-class horses, including the favorite Mr Brightside, along with Private Life and Evaporate. Remember to consider the form indicators, recent winners, and expert tips when making your selections. Good luck, and enjoy the races!