The 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap runs on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Flemington Racecourse
Kicking off stakes racing for the next season is the Aurie’s Star Handicap, which is run over 1200m at Flemington on the first Saturday of the season. The $200,000 Group 3 has been taken out of some quality sprinters throughout its history, including Sooboog and Temple of Boom, so it’s always a race to follow, as the form stacks up well throughout the spring.
We look at everything you need to know about the Aurie’s Star Handicap, including the latest odds, tips, final field, betting trends, and past winners, so punters can make an informed decision before betting with the TAB.
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Odds
Stay tuned for the latest Aurie’s Star Handicap odds and betting markets, including all-in and final field betting.
| 6. Boomtown Boss (1) 54kgx3059 | |||
| 8. Royal Insignia (4) 54kgx7562 | |||
| 2. Arkansaw Kid (2) 59kg3273x | |||
| 5. Ndola (3) 54.5kg213×1 | |||
| 4. Cote Atlantique (6) 55kg22206 | |||
| 3. Star Patrol (7) 55.5kgx230x | |||
| 7. Fancify (5) 54kg8×629 | |||
| 9. Windstorm (8) 54kg97400 | |||
| 1. War Machine (1)SCRATCHED: | |||
Aurie’s Star Handicap Tips
TAB has all your Aurie’s Star Handicap tips available for the feature race at Flemington on Saturday, which features a quality sprinting field at headquarters.
We will have a more detailed betting guide for the Aurie’s Star Handicap a few days out from the race, but there are all-in markets available, and it can pay to get in early.
We recommend backing horses who are having their first or second start of the campaign. Horses that are eyeing bigger Group 1 targets in September and October use the race as a starting point. 2019 winner So Si Bon used the race as a stepping stone to finishing second in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
The last four winners have broken 1:10.00, so it takes a good horse to win. We recommend backing horses at the top of the order; those who have a proven record at group level.
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Tips
Our 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap tips will be published when the final field is released, but punters can bet into all-in markets, which is a good way to secure early value.
There are some quality sprinters among the 2026 nominations, including Group 1 winner War Machine, Arkansaw Kid, and rising star Sass Appeal.
As we saw in the Bletchingly Stakes on July 25, the top-rated runner with form at the highest level is a good pick. War Machine ranked as a top contender despite struggling recently, but he is fresh-up and ready to fire.
Sass Appeal adds some interest as a winner of four from five starts. It provides more as a miler later in the spring, so there should be betting interest on race day.
Aurie’s Star Handicap Race Info
- Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Track: Flemington Racecourse, Victoria
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Open Handicap
- Status: Group 3
- Prize Money: $200,000
- First Run: 1996
- Current Champion: King of Roseau
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Preview
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Results
The Aurie’s Star Handicap 2026 results and full finishing order will be published after the race is run on Saturday, August 1.
- #6 Boomtown Boss
- #8 Royal Insignia
- #2 Arkansaw Kid
Aurie’s Star Handicap Betting
It’s all about each-way value when betting the Aurie’s Star Handicap. Six of the last 10 winners have paid $5.50 or shorter, and only one winner in the last 10 years had paid double figures (So Si Bon ($15).
Two of the last three winners have been one of the most-favoured runners in the market. 2025 winner King of Roseau paid $3.40, and 2023 winner It’sourtime paid $4, so there aren’t many upsets in the Aurie’s Star Handicap.
As the opening stakes race on the calendar, Aurie’s Star betting trends favour fresh-up runners. They have an excellent record in the sprint, and they’re typically targeting races like Memsie, Rupert Clarke Stakes, and the Bobbie Lewis.
Horses with experience running down the Flemington straight are also a key factor. Some thoroughbreds aren’t used to straight track running, but there are horses who love it. Runners with form at the track and distance are worth including in Aurie’s Star Handicap picks.
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Field
The 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap field is released on the Wednesday before the race. We will have the updated final field once it’s released by Racing Victoria.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. War Machine (1) Scratched: | |||||
|
2. Arkansaw Kid
J: Mark Zahra
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
23273x | G | 2 | 59kg | |
|
3. Star Patrol
J: Craig Newitt
T: Clinton McDonald |
0x230x | G | 7 | 55.5kg | |
|
4. Cote Atlantique
J: Declan Bates
T: Henry Dwyer |
x22206 | G | 6 | 55kg | |
|
5. Ndola
J: Jye Mcneil
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
2213×1 | G | 3 | 54.5kg | |
|
6. Boomtown Boss
J: Daniel Moor
T: Tony Gollan |
2×3059 | G | 1 | 54kg | |
|
7. Fancify
J: Jabez Johnstone
T: Ciaron Maher |
38×629 | M | 5 | 54kg | |
|
8. Royal Insignia
J: Luke Cartwright
T: Grahame Begg |
9×7562 | G | 4 | 54kg | |
|
9. Windstorm
J: Akira Sugawara
T: Logan Mcgill |
x97400 | G | 8 | 54kg | |
Aurie’s Star Handicap Barrier Statistics
Barrier draws for straight racing at Flemington are always important, but it largely depends on track conditions and how the inside part of the track has played earlier on the card.
Statistically, the middle draw is the place to be, and it’s for an obvious reason. Straight 1200m races can split into two divisions, with a bias usually present on one side. Drawing in the middle allows jockeys to choose which side they go to, and it also provides them with cover during the run.
Barriers 6-9 have a 60% winning record over the last 10 years in the Aurie’s Star Handicap, so that is a significant advantage. The last five winners have drawn outside barrier 7, including King of Roseau, who jumped from barrier 12. If the track is in the soft or heavy range, drawing wide is advantageous as there has been less traffic on the outside rail.
Aurie’s Star Handicap Form Guide
It’s best to stick with proven fresh-up winners and those with form down the Flemington straight. There are some runners in the 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap who possess these attributes, including War Machine, who is an early tip to win.
Runners with plenty of experience running at Flemington are our best Aurie’s Star form guide. Having sprinting form going around a turn is completely different down the straight, so Flemington form tops the rest.
Thoroughbreds with a proven record in group company is another key betting guide. It’s a tough race to win, even with a lightweight, so pick the strong runners, preferably with form at Group 1 level.
2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Form Guide
Our form analysts will have a 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap form guide available during the week of the race.
Recent Aurie’s Star Handicap Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | King of Roseau | Bandi’s Boy | Marble Nine | 1:09.18 |
| 2024 | Right to Party | Zarastro | It’sourtime | 1:09.81 |
| 2023 | It’sourtime | Umgawa | Chassis | 1:08.6 |
| 2022 | Sirius Suspect | Stageman | Shooting for Gold | 1:09.9 |
| 2021 | The Astrologist | Romancer | Too Good Too Hard | 1:10.5 |
| 2020 | Home of the Brave | Great Again | Game Keeper | 1:10.5 |
| 2019 | So Si Bon | Malibu Style | Sesar | 1:11.0 |
| 2018 | Voodoo Lad | Home of the Brave | Brave Song | 1:09.6 |
| 2017 | Hey Doc | Cannyescent | Grande Rosso | 1:09.9 |
| 2016 | Sooboog | Dibiyani | Tashbeeh | 1:10.0 |
| 2015 | Shiraz | Play Master | Le Bonsir | 1:09.4 |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with TAB. The first step is to create an account at TAB. Once you’ve created your account, you can make a deposit. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that’s right for you.
Which horse will win the 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap?
We have the latest Aurie’s Star Handicap tips at TAB. Check out our form guide for all the latest info, betting guide, and latest race tips.
When is the Aurie’s Star Handicap 2026?
The 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap is set to run at Flemington on Saturday, August 1, as the first Group race of the Australian racing season
What is the prize money for the Aurie’s Star Handicap 2026?
The 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap prize money is set at $200,000, which is paid from 1st to 8th place, including $120,000 going to the winner.
Where is the Aurie’s Star Handicap 2026?
The 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap will run at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, which is located at 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington, Victoria, 3031.
What distance is the Aurie’s Star Handicap run over?
The Aurie’s Star Handicap is run over 1200 metres, which suits both sprinters and 1400-1600m runners returning from a spell.
How many horses run in the Aurie’s Star Handicap?
Field sizes can vary slightly year‑to‑year, but the Aurie’s Star Handicap typically attracts a field of around 10–14 runners.
Who won the 2025 Aurie’s Star Handicap?
The 2025 Aurie’s Star Handicap was won by 4YO King of Roseau, who was well-fancied to win with the TAB. He scored by 1.5 lengths with 54kg and Mick Dee in the saddle.