The 2026 Missile Stakes runs on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Royal Randwick
The rockets are ready to fire for the new season in Sydney, and the Group 2 Missile Stakes is the first race on the 26/27 schedule.
The $300,000 feature at Randwick has long been the starting point for many of Australia’s best sprinters who look to start their spring campaign with a win. The 1200m feature has been won by the likes of Pierata, Rain Affair, and Lonhro.
It’s a must-see race to see in the new racing season in Sydney, and we have all the Missile Stakes betting info needed to make an informed bet at TAB.
2026 Missile Stakes Odds
Stay tuned for the latest Missile Stakes odds and betting markets, including all-in and final field betting.
Missile Stakes Tips
TAB has all your Missile Stakes tips available for the feature race at Randwick. It’s a great starting point for sprinters looking to make their mark before the spring carnival gets into full swing in September and October.
There has been a good mix of favourites and long shots to win the Missile Stakes, so it’s typically an open field with each-way value available for punters. Our Missile Stakes tips are released the week of the race, so stay tuned for our top Missile Stakes picks.
2026 Missile Stakes Tips
Our 2026 Missile Stakes 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.
The Missile Stakes can suit many runners, which is usually down to the track conditions. August is one of the wettest months in Australia, which has caused havoc with fields in recent years. The winning times aren’t always quick, due to track conditions, so it’s best to look for horses that handle all surfaces.
Fresh up form is always a key factor when placing a bet. It’s the starting point for many runners in the field, and there aren’t too many winners over the last few years who are at the end of their winter campaigns.
For more in-depth Missile Stakes tips, be sure to check out our race preview prior to the race.
Missile Stakes Race Info
- Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Track: Royal Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Set Weights and Penalties (3YO+)
- Status: Group 2
- Prize Money: $300,000
- First Run: 1978
- Current Champion: Schwartz
2026 Missile Stakes Results
The Missile Stakes 2026 results and full finishing order will be published after the race is run on Saturday, August 8.
Missile Stakes Betting
It has been a mixed bag when it comes to betting on the Missile Stakes, but the general rule of thumb is to follow well-backed runners in betting markets with TAB.
The last two winners (Schwarz and I Am Me) were heavily backed favourites at $2.40 each. They dominated betting markets as the star thoroughbreds in the field, and they didn’t let punters down on what was a good racing surface.
However, 2022 and 2021 didn’t favour punters looking to back favourites. Hard Empire won at $15 in 2022, which followed 2021 winner Phobetor, who also won at $15. Phobetor’s win was incredible when running 1:08.54, which was the second-fastest time since the race moved to 1200m.
Prior to those upset results, the Missile Stakes was dominated by short odds favourites. Eduardo won at $2.30 in 2020, Alizee won at $1.30 in 2019, and Sweet Idea won at $2.30 in 2014. During an 11 year span, only one runner paid more than $7.50 to win, so we recommend looking at the favourites unless the track is in the soft-heavy range.
2026 Missile Stakes Field
The 2026 Missile Stakes field is released on the Wednesday before the race. We will have the updated final field once released by Racing NSW.
Missile Stakes Barrier Statistics
Barrier draws have played a significant role in recent editions of the Missile Stakes, making them an important factor for punters to consider.
Like most sprint races around Randwick, drawing closer to the rail is always advantageous. 2024 winner Schwarz drew barrier nine, but that was the first time since 2017 a runner won the Missile Stakes from wider than barrier 6.
It’s not a huge field, so winning from wider than barrier 9 is unlikely, but barrier two is the best place to draw. Five of the last 15 winners have drawn barrier 2, so it could pay to include that in your Missile Stakes predictions.
The inside three draws have won seven of the last 15 Missile Stakes, so Missile Stakes barrier draws are important.
Missile Stakes Form Guide
The Missile Stakes is a tough race to win, so it takes a good thoroughbred to prevail. There are some key form races to consider before placing a Missile Stakes bet with TAB.
Most of the best form races come in the autumn. The Missile Stakes is a fresh-up target for most runners in the field, so look for runners to have form in The Galaxy, All-Aged Stakes, TJ Smith Stakes, and the Doomben 10,000.
Having Group 1 form is always a bonus at Group 2 level, and although some recent winners weren’t proven at the top level, the quality of this race is only improving. We expect a few Group 1 performers to line up this year, so they’re worth having on your ticket.
2026 Missile Stakes Form Guide
Our form analysts will have a 2026 Missile Stakes form guide available during the week of the race.
Recent Missile Stakes Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Abandoned | |||
| 2024 | Schwarz | Arctic Glamour | Shezanalister | 1:09.73 |
| 2023 | I Am Me | Dragonstone | Deepour | 1:09.67 |
| 2022 | Hard Empire | Wandabaa | Gem Song | 1:10.70 |
| 2021 | Phobetor | Chat | Fasika | 1:08:54 |
| 2020 | Eduardo | Flit | Imaging | 1:12.01 |
| 2019 | Alizee | Invincible Gem | Le Romain | 1:11.25 |
| 2018 | Pierata | Kementari | The Monstar | 1:08.41 |
| 2017 | Invincible Gem | Le Romain | The Monstar | 1:11.82 |
| 2016 | Tycoon Tara | Rebel Dane | Mount Nebo | 1:15.64 |
| 2015 | Burbero | Weary | Temple of Boom | 1:09.13 |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 Missile Stakes?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with TAB. The first step is to create an account at TAB. The process is quick and easy! 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 Missile Stakes?
We have the latest Missile Stakes tips at TAB. Check out our form guide for all the latest info, betting guide, and latest race tips.
When is the Missile Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Missile Stakes is set to run at Randwick on Saturday, August 8, as the first Group race of the Sydney racing season
What is the prize money for the Missile Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Missile Stakes prize money is set at $300,000, which is paid from 1st to 10th place, including $170,000 going to the winner.
Where is the Missile Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Missile Stakes will run at Royal Randwick in Sydney, which is located at Alison Road, Randwick, 2031.
What distance is the Missile Stakes run over?
The Missile Stakes is run over 1200 metres, which suits both sprinters and 1400-1600m runners returning from a spell.
How many horses run in the Missile Stakes?
Field sizes can vary slightly year‑to‑year, but the Missile Stakes typically attracts a compact field of around 8-10 runners.
Who won the 2025 Missile Stakes?
The 2025 Missile Stakes was won by Schwarz at $2.40 for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, with James McDonald in the saddle.