The Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes runs this Saturday at Caulfield, and we have our best Bletchingly Stakes tips, predictions and best bets.
A field of nine thoroughbreds will contest the $200,000 feature sprint, where Cosmic Crusader headlines 2026 Bletchingly Stakes odds.
Check out our Bletchingly Stakes betting guide, and our best bets below.
It’s tough to look past Cosmic Crusader as the best bet for the Bletchingly Stakes. The 5YO son of Maurice is lethal when racing fresh up, having posted three wins from four attempts, and he could add to his record on Saturday.
Andrea Leek takes over the training duties from Michael Grantham, and although punters can be wary of betting on Perth-based runners in Melbourne, Cosmic Crusader is a classy runner in the making.
He finished second behind Rey Magnerio at Group 3 level at Ascot last year, and that form has been franked since. He is a Group 1 winner, having taken out the Northerly Stakes over 1800m. That was a middle-distance race, but he has two wins from three starts at 1200m, so he can sprint.
Class is on his side, and so are we.
| 1. Cosmic Crusader (1) 58.5kg3112x |
The Sir John Monash Stakes has long been a good form guide for the Bletchingly Stakes, and Miraval Rose is the runner to follow out of the July 11 race.
The 5YO mare finished under a length behind Winnasedge in a blanket finish, and she was always going to improve with the run under her belt. She has a win and two placings second-up, and getting barrier two could make the difference.
Graeme Begg’s stable is flying this season, and they could take out the final group race of the season. Miraval Rose maps nicely in the run, and she should settle closer to the pace than her fresh-up effort, and she’ll be there to strike at the right time.
| 8. Miraval Rose (2) 56.5kg144×4 |
There is a bit of value around Zou Sensation, who didn’t enjoy racing at Eagle Farm last start, but we’re prepared to forgive that effort and stick with him.
The 6YO is talented on his day, which includes nine wins throughout his rock-solid career. He has over $1 million in the bank, and three of his wins have come at Caulfield, where he much prefers to race.
The son of Zoustar was a listed winner at Flemington in December before struggling behind Tom Kitten at Caulfield. However, he hasn’t had all favours this prep, and his luck is due to change.
Punters get double-figure odds from the TAB, so he’s a must-include at the price.
| 3. Zou Sensation (8) 58.5kg18×50 |
Who doesn’t love a same race multi? The Bletchingly Stakes is an ideal chance for punters to maximise profits with a SRM, and we have three runners included in our tips.
We have Cosmic Crusader Top 2, Miraval Rose Top 3, and Zou Sensation Top 4, which pays a handsome $11.50 at the TAB.
All three of our picks have a great winning chance, and because it’s only a nine-horse field, the chances of finishing the money are greater. Cosmic Crusader is a logical quinella hope, and Miraval Rose, being on the second line of betting, should run in the first three.
Our risk is Zou Sensation Top 4, but the $1.75 odds for an expected improver are too good to turn down.