We have Epsom Handicap tips and predictions for the Group 1 1600m race at Randwick on Saturday.
Epsom Handicap odds are available, and it’s Kiwi mare Well Written headlining the full field for the time-honoured race.
The unbeaten Kiwi mare hasn’t exactly been treated kindly with 55kg, which looks a touch harsh. But we know she has the class to handle this field, and she’s our top pick to show the Aussies a thing or two.
Trained by Stephen Marsh, the 4YO superstar has been unbeaten in her recent outings, including a win over Belle Cheval, who subsequently went on to win a Group 1 in Australia before being retired. The form across the Tasman certainly stacks up.
Her turn of foot is electric, and the switch from Matt Cartwright to Zac Lloyd shouldn’t put punters off. Lloyd is one of the young guns of the riding ranks, and from barrier 3, he should get every chance to settle her in the right spot.
She looks like the horse to beat, and after opening at $5, the market wasted little time tightening around her.
Randwick R8 – Tab Epsom Hcp (G1)
| 6. Well Written (3) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 111×1 T: Stephen Marsh | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months won by 1.75 len in the G1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on September 5 over 1400m in soft going defeating Alabama Lass carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Previously second-up scored a big 6 len win in the G2 Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie on October 18 over 1400m defeating Little Black Dress carrying 56.5kg at $2.70. Undefeated in seven starts and goes to a new level here, big chance. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 01/10/2026 09:59:51 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
Autumn Boy brings some serious Australian form into this, having finished runner-up to Sheza Alibi last time out in a performance that reads extremely well for this assignment.
The 4YO also gets a much more favourable deal at the weights, carrying just 55.5kg. That’s only 0.5kg more than Well Written, despite Autumn Boy already having Group 1 form on his record across the Tasman.
He shapes as a key runner to include in our Epsom Handicap tips. Barrier 1 is ideal, giving him every chance to secure the perfect run, while the booking of James McDonald only adds to his appeal.
McDonald has been bullish about his chances of getting the better of the Kiwi, and Autumn Boy has plenty going for him.
Randwick R8 – Tab Epsom Hcp (G1)
| 3. Autumn Boy (1) J: James McDonald 55.5kg 12×82 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 8th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 58.5kg at $9. Second run from a spell 2nd of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m, 2.75 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 58.5kg at $20. Returned good figures in the Makybe Diva, top three player. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 01/10/2026 09:59:51 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
Lady Shenandoah was subject to some big bets during the week after opening at $26, and that’s a confident bet.
The Chris Waller-trained mare wasn’t too far behind Angel Capital last start, and although we question if that’s the best form for the Epsom Handicap, she is one of the more explosive milers in this race.
She has progressed from a sprinter to a miler this season, and although barrier 16 makes life difficult for Tommy Berry, she could be the one flashing home over the top of them.
Randwick R8 – Tab Epsom Hcp (G1)
| 5. Lady Shenandoah (16) J: Tommy Berry 55kg 42×44 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Second run from a spell tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 16 in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1400m, 1.3 len behind Angel Capital with 56kg at $4.80. Awful map and hard to tip with any confidence. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 01/10/2026 09:59:51 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
Punters get value odds with our Epsom Handicap SRM, which includes our three selected runners.
We have Well Written Top 2, Autumn Boy Top 3, and Lady Shenandoah Top 5, which pays $11.50 for our three-runner SRM.
We are confident with Well Written and Autumn Boy running in the top 2 and 3, and with Lady Shenandoah adding value for a Top 5 result, punters get value odds for our same-race multi bet.
Randwick R8 – Tab Epsom Hcp (G1)
| 3. Autumn Boy (1) J: James McDonald 55.5kg 12×82 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 8th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 58.5kg at $9. Second run from a spell 2nd of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m, 2.75 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 58.5kg at $20. Returned good figures in the Makybe Diva, top three player. | |||
| 5. Lady Shenandoah (16) J: Tommy Berry 55kg 42×44 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Second run from a spell tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 16 in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1400m, 1.3 len behind Angel Capital with 56kg at $4.80. Awful map and hard to tip with any confidence. | |||
| 6. Well Written (3) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 111×1 T: Stephen Marsh | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months won by 1.75 len in the G1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on September 5 over 1400m in soft going defeating Alabama Lass carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Previously second-up scored a big 6 len win in the G2 Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie on October 18 over 1400m defeating Little Black Dress carrying 56.5kg at $2.70. Undefeated in seven starts and goes to a new level here, big chance. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 01/10/2026 09:59:51 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
Latest Epsom Handicap 2026 Odds
Epsom Handicap 2026 Odds
Randwick R8 – Tab Epsom Hcp (G1)
| 1. Ceolwulf (7) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 6×523 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Most recently 3rd in a small field in the G2 7 Stakes at this track on September 19 over 1600m, 1.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 59kg at $15. The run before that came home strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $3.60. Going much better this prep and place preferred. | |||
| 2. Tom Kitten (4) J: Adam Hyeronimus 57.5kg 17×00 T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran second last of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $26. Last start settled back and ran on when 10th of 16 in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1400m, 4.5 len behind Angel Capital carrying 59kg at $26. Ran second in this race in 2024, and struggled in his two runs this prep. | |||
| 3. Autumn Boy (1) J: James McDonald 55.5kg 12×82 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 8th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 58.5kg at $9. Second run from a spell 2nd of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m, 2.75 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 58.5kg at $20. Returned good figures in the Makybe Diva, top three player. | |||
| 4. Idle Flyer (18) J: Jason Collett 55kg 1×644 T: Matthew Smith | |||
| Most recently eased back early on ran second last in a small field in the G2 7 Stakes at this track on September 19 over 1600m, 2 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $26. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 in the G2 Tramway Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1400m, 3 len behind Headley Grange carrying 56kg at $2.45. Ugly set-up and hard to recommend. | |||
| 5. Lady Shenandoah (16) J: Tommy Berry 55kg 42×44 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Second run from a spell tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 16 in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1400m, 1.3 len behind Angel Capital with 56kg at $4.80. Awful map and hard to tip with any confidence. | |||
| 6. Well Written (3) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 111×1 T: Stephen Marsh | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months won by 1.75 len in the G1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on September 5 over 1400m in soft going defeating Alabama Lass carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Previously second-up scored a big 6 len win in the G2 Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie on October 18 over 1400m defeating Little Black Dress carrying 56.5kg at $2.70. Undefeated in seven starts and goes to a new level here, big chance. | |||
| 7. Militarize (19) J: Tim Clark 53.5kg 623×6 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months 6th of 13 in a G2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on September 12 over 1300m, 3.5 len behind Skyhook with 58kg at $31. Previously second-up 5th of 11 in the G2 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill on March 14 over 1500m, 2 len behind Cristal Clear carrying 57.5kg at $5. Looks tested on the first up effort. | |||
| 8. Attica (6) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 51.5kg 80×23 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 in a Springprev at Rosehill on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 2.25 len behind Althoff with 59kg at $3.10. Last start 3rd of 8 in the G2 Tramway Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1400m, 2.75 len behind Headley Grange with 58kg at $12. Key runner set to peak with the sharp weight drop. | |||
| 9. Vivy Air (9) J: Reece Jones 51kg 300×8 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months eased back early on 8th of 10 in the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle on September 18 over 1500m, 5.5 len behind Fully Lit carrying 58kg at $18. Previously second-up 10th of 16 in the G1 Doncaster Mile at this track on April 4 over 1600m, slow going 8 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 51kg at $21. Not keen on her chances. | |||
| 10. Fully Lit (8) J: Winona Costin 51kg 0x341 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run won by 1.2 len in the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle on September 18 over 1500m defeating I’mintowin with 55.5kg at $5.50. The race before that 4th of 8 in a Bm100 at Rosehill on August 29 over 1500m, 2.75 len behind Althoff carrying 59kg at $4.40. Finished second in this race last year and looks to be going even better. | |||
| 11. Hellsing (12) J: Braith Nock 51kg 011×5 T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 5th of 10 in the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle on September 18 over 1500m, 5 len behind Fully Lit carrying 58kg at $15. Previously second-up from last on the turn 7th of 9 in a Bm88 at this track on January 3 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Cool Jakey with 59kg at $61. Meets a tough line-up and look for him later in the prep. | |||
| 12. Perfumist (17) J: Rachel King 50kg 071×1 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on September 18 over 1400m defeating Mareth with 55kg at $3.60. Previously second-up 7th of 12 in the G2 Emancipation Stakes at Rosehill on March 28 over 1500m, slow going 5 len behind Idle Flyer with 55kg at $21. Poorly drawn and yet to fire second up, needs it easier. | |||
| 13. Matcha Latte (15) J: Robbie Dolan 50kg 13×32 T: Nacim Dilmi | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming held ground to the line 3rd of 8 in the G3 Show County Quality at this track on August 22 over 1200m, slow going 0.5 len behind Midnight In Tokyo with 57kg at $8.50. Second-up gave a sight but was run down late 2nd of 10 in the G3 Bill Ritchie Handicap at this track on September 19 over 1400m, 0.5 len behind General Salute with 53kg at $13. Out of his depth against some of these. | |||
| 14. Panova (14) J: Alysha Collett 50kg 712×6 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months got back early 6th of 8 in the G2 Tramway Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Headley Grange with 56kg at $31. Previously second-up 5th of 11 in the G2 Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill on March 14 over 1500m, 3 len behind Sixties with 54.5kg at $13. Tested at this level. | |||
| 15. Plymouth (11) J: Jackson Radley 50kg 031×6 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months 6th of 13 in the LR Tontonan (Sofitel) Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1400m, 2 len behind Welcometotheshow carrying 57.5kg at $26. Previously second-up 4th of 10 in the G2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington on February 28 over 1600m, 2.25 len behind Birdman with 55kg at $18. Tough ask second up. | |||
| 16. God’s Window (13) J: Siena Grima 50kg 123×5 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months 5th of 13 in a G2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on September 12 over 1300m, 2.25 len behind Skyhook with 53kg at $41. Previously second-up won by a nose in a Bm94 at this track on May 23 over 1600m in the wet defeating Ruby Flyer with 55kg at $5.50. Eye catching return and goes into the exotics. | |||
| 17. Declichy Boulevard (2) J: Andrew Adkins 50kg 15×31 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 3rd of 16 in a Goul Cup Mbm98 at Goulburn on August 23 over 1400m, 1.0 len behind Just Party carrying 55.5kg at $6.50. Second run from a spell favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.25 len in a Bm88 at this track on September 19 over 1600m defeating Knobelas carrying 59.5kg at $2.50. Racing well. In great shape and ticks a few boxes at the good odds. | |||
| 18. Encap (10) J: Mollie Fitzgerald 50kg 29×04 T: Gary Portelli | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran second last of 13 in a G2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on September 12 over 1300m, 5.5 len behind Skyhook with 53.5kg at $12. Second run from a spell came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 8 in the G2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1500m, 4 len behind Skyhook with 53kg at $18. Better run second up but would have to improve sharply. | |||
| 19. Mr Miller (5) J: Tyler Schiller 50kg 2×113 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently 3rd of 10 in the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle on September 18 over 1500m, 1.5 len behind Fully Lit carrying 54kg at $1.80. The start before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 3 len in a Cg&E Bm78 at Rosehill on August 29 over 1500m defeating Invader Zim carrying 58.5kg at $1.90. On the up and keep safe in this tougher race with the solid SP profile. | |||
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 01/10/2026 09:59:51 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
2026 Epsom Handicap Big Bets
Randwick R8
Top 3
6. Well Written
STAKE $3000
Randwick R8
Fixed Win
@ 3.9
6. Well Written
STAKE $1000
Randwick R8
Fixed Quinella
1st: 3
2nd: 6
STAKE $500
Randwick R8
Fixed Win
@ 4
6. Well Written
STAKE $500
Randwick R8
Fixed Win
@ 3.9
3. Autumn Boy
STAKE $500
Randwick R8
Top 3
1. Ceolwulf
STAKE $500