The 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes runs at Caulfield on Saturday, August 15, 2026
The PB Lawrence Stakes marks the opening Group 2 contest of the Melbourne Spring Carnival, providing an early look at many of the season’s leading weight-for-age performers. Run over 1400 metres at Caulfield in mid-August, the race is an important stepping stone towards some of the carnival’s biggest features, including the Memsie Stakes.
Its honour roll includes outstanding runners such as Mr Brightside, Mystic Journey, Hartnell, and Apache Cat, with the most recent winner being Sydney raider Private Eye.
Whether you’re looking for the latest odds, expert race analysis, form insights, and betting tips, TAB has everything you need to prepare for PB Lawrence Stakes betting 2026.
2026 PB Lawrence Stakes Odds
Stay tuned for the latest PB Lawrence Stakes odds and betting markets, including all-in and final field betting.
PB Lawrence Stakes Tips
Our PB Lawrence Stakes tips will be published in the lead-up to the Group 2 feature, providing punters with expert analysis, betting predictions, and our best bets for one of the biggest Group 2 races of the carnival.
The PB Lawrence Stakes consistently attracts proven WFA performers, making it one of the more appealing betting races at the start of the Melbourne spring. Many of Australia’s top-class horses resume their campaigns, so punters get a good look at the best on offer.
Recent history has favoured established Group-class runners, with each of the past four winners carrying 59kg. Its timing on the Melbourne spring calendar also makes it an important spring launching pad, with many runners progressing to Group 1 races throughout September and October, with the Memsie and Makybe Diva Stakes being two primary targets.
Once the final field is confirmed on the Wednesday before the race, our horse racing experts will assess the latest PB Lawrence Stakes 2026 odds, so check out our PB Lawrence Stakes betting guide for the latest picks.
2026 PB Lawrence Stakes Tips
Our 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes tips will be published when the final field is released, but punters can bet into all-in markets, which are typically available earlier in the week when nominations are released.
We don’t have the nominations just yet, but some runners are likely to head to the 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes, including two Lindsay Park-trained runners. Evaporate and War Machine are seemingly heading to the Caulfield feature, with War Machine hoping to start after crashing through the gates in the Bletchingly Stakes.
We recommend looking at runners at the $3-$7 range. They have a good record in the PB Lawrence Stakes, and there can be value just outside the favourites.
For more in-depth PB Lawrence Stakes tips, be sure to check out our race preview before the race, which is available at TAB.
PB Lawrence Stakes Race Info
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Track: Caulfield, Melbourne, Victoria
- Distance: 1400m
- Conditions: WTA (Weight-for-age)
- Status: Group 2
- Prize Money: $300,000
- First Run: 1949
- Current Champion: Private Eye
2026 PB Lawrence Stakes Results
The PB Lawrence Stakes 2026 results and full finishing order will be published after the race is run on Saturday, August 15.
PB Lawrence Stakes Betting
Recent editions of the PB Lawrence Stakes have favoured runners at the top of the betting market. Eight of the past nine winners started at single-figure odds, with Gentleman Roy’s $15 victory in 2024 the only notable upset in recent times.
Several favourites have justified their short quotes, including Hartnell ($1.55), Mystic Journey ($2.70), and Mr Brightside ($2.15). Private Eye also rewarded supporters when winning as the $3.00 second favourite in 2025, so PB Lawrence Stakes betting trends favour those well in the market.
Between 2014 and 2016, winners returned double-figure dividends, highlighted by Miss Rose De Lago ($12), Mourinho ($15), and Star Rolling ($31). Those results reflected a more open era, but in recent years, the PB Lawrence Stakes has become a race where it’s worth following the favourites. However, there is always room for an upset.
2026 PB Lawrence Stakes Field
The 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes field is released on the Wednesday before the race. We will have the updated final field once released by Racing.com.
PB Lawrence Stakes Barrier Statistics
The barrier draw for the PB Lawrence Stakes is released the week of the race, and it’s an important factor when betting on the race.
Barrier position has become an interesting angle for PB Lawrence Stakes betting, with recent winners often coming from middle to wider gates rather than inside draws. Over the past 20 years, only two winners have started from barriers 1 or 2, while runners drawn between barriers 7 and 9 have produced plenty of winners.
Since 2006, barriers 7 to 10 have accounted for 13 of the past 20 winners. Barrier 8 has been particularly successful, producing five winners. Drawing in the middle allows runners to find their feet and not get jostled for their position, unlike drawing close to the rails.
We have seen countless runners unable to extract themselves away from the inside at Caulfield, and although drawing low helps on-speed runners, settling back off the inside draw is never beneficial.
Jockeys like to make their moves early at Caulfield, so look for runners with a bit of freedom to move. Stick with barriers 7-10 for the best chances of winning.
PB Lawrence Stakes Form Guide
The PB Lawrence Stakes is a key spring carnival launch race, with many of Australia’s leading WFA horses using it as their first major test of the season.
The Bletchingly Stakes is a notable lead-up, with some runners using the 1200-metre event to gain fitness before stepping up to 1400m at Caulfield. However, the strongest guide is often proven Group 1 form, with champions such as Hartnell, Mr Brightside, and Mystic Journey running well at the top level before resuming their campaigns in this race.
After the PB Lawrence Stakes, many runners like to target the Group 1 Memsie Stakes, Makybe Diva Stakes, and Cox Plate. The Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup can also be on the agenda for the middle-distance and stayers who resume in the PB Lawrence Stakes.
2026 PB Lawrence Stakes Form Guide
Our form analysts will have a 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes form guide available during the week of the race.
Recent PB Lawrence Stakes Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Private Eye | Desert Lightning | Here to Shock | 1:25.96 |
| 2024 | Gentleman Roy | Pinstriped | Pericles | 1:22.54 |
| 2023 | Mr Brightside | Pinstriped | Aegon | 1:21.71 |
| 2022 | Mr Brightside | I Am Superman | Buffalo River | 1:22.67 |
| 2021 | Sierra Sue | Angel of Truth | Red Can Man | 1:23.12 |
| 2020 | Savatiano | Sirrconi | Kings Will Dream | 1:24.29 |
| 2019 | Mystic Journey | Cliff’s Edge | Hartnell | 1:24.46 |
| 2018 | Showtime | Hartnell | Widgee Turf | 1:23.67 |
| 2017 | Hartnell | Charmed Harmony | Black Heart Bart | 1:24.06 |
| 2016 | Miss Rose de Lago | Jacquinot Bay | Entirely Platinum | 1:24.85 |
| 2015 | Mourinho | The Cleaner | Dibayani | 1:23.54 |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 PB Lawrence 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 PB Lawrence Stakes?
We have the latest PB Lawrence Stakes tips at TAB. Check out our form guide for all the latest info, betting guide, and latest race tips.
When is the PB Lawrence Stakes 2026?
The 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes is set to run at Caulfield on Saturday, August 15, as the first Group 2 race of the Melbourne racing season.
What is the prize money for the PB Lawrence Stakes 2026?
The 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes prize money is set at $300,000.
Where is the PB Lawrence Stakes 2026?
The 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes will run at Caulfield in Melbourne, Victoria.
What distance is the PB Lawrence Stakes run over?
The PB Lawrence Stakes is run over 1400 metres, which is ideally targeted at runners with both sprinting and middle-distance form.
How many horses run in the PB Lawrence Stakes?
Field sizes can vary slightly year‑to‑year, but the PB Lawrence Stakes typically attracts a compact field of around 8-12 runners.
Who won the 2025 PB Lawrence Stakes?
The 2025 PB Lawrence Stakes was won by Private Eye for trainer Joe Pride and jockey Nash Rawiller.