The 2026 Underwood Stakes ran on Saturday, September 19, at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne and was won in a big 1.75 length victory by Chris Waller's Cox Plate-bound Birdman ($6).
Underwood Stakes 2026 Results
| 6. Birdman (4) J: Ben Melham 59kg 521x6 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Cosmic Crusader (3) J: William Pike 59kg 2x113 T: Andrea Leek | ||
| 3. Attrition (6) J: Jamie Mott 59kg 80x90 T: Mitchell Freedman | ||
| 8. Kingswood (8) J: John Allen 59kg 125x1 T: Gavin Bedggood | ||
| 2. Buckaroo (7) J: Mark Zahra 59kg x25x5 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 4. Pinstriped (2) J: Lachlan Neindorf 59kg 5x442 T: Enver Jusufovic | ||
| 7. Middle Earth (5) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 891x8 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 1. Lindermann (1) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 22x91 T: Chris Waller |
Underwood Stakes 2026 Betting Odds & Race Preview Info
- 2026 Underwood Stakes Date: Saturday, 19th of September 2026
- Track Location: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Distance: 1,800m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age; 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (AUD): A$1,000,000
- First Run: 1924
- Reigning Underwood Stakes Winner: Birdman (2026)
Looking for the latest Underwood Stakes betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Caulfield Group 1? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the Underwood Stakes race this September!
The Group 1 Underwood Stakes is a crucial early test for Australia’s top middle-distance and staying racehorses as they prepare for the iconic horse racing majors over the spring down under including the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).
To improve your chances of predicting the next Underwood Stakes winner, access the latest Underwood Stakes odds and tips online at the TAB NZ.
TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of spring contenders eyeing runs in events including the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in Australia, our comprehensive Underwood Stakes coverage has everything you need.
See the best early spring contenders battle it out! Bet on your Underwood Stakes winner this season with TAB NZ!
Underwood Stakes Fast Facts
- Last mare to win the Underwood Stakes: Bonneval (2017)
- Last three-year-old to win the Underwood Stakes: Russian Camelot (2020)
- Last multiple Underwood winner: Alligator Blood (2022-23)
- Notable Fact: The Underwood Stakes winner is exempt from the Caulfield Cup ballot
Underwood Stakes betting takes place on the popular Underwood Stakes race which is held at Caulfield Racecourse on a Saturday in late September annually.
Underwood Stakes odds are offered on the esteemed Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Group 1 event, and the field attracts a host of quality middle and longer distance racehorses heading towards bigger and better features over the coming months.
The Group 1 Underwood Stakes is one of Australia’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1924 when Whittier became the inaugural champion. Whittier also won the 1925 event going back-to-back in the opening two editions.
Underwood Stakes history shows the event was originally known as the Williamstown Racing Club and conducted at Williamstown Racecourse.
It moved to Caulfield Racecourse in 1948 and is now named in honour of the chairman of the Williamstown Racing Club (now the Victorian Race Club), H.A. Underwood.
Between 2021 and 2022 it took place at Sandown Racecourse.
The Underwood Stakes holds a special place in racing history due a host of turf greats having won the race during their careers including three straight subsequent Caulfield Cup champions: Northerly (2002), Mummify (2003) and Elvstroem (2004).
Now taking place at Australia’s popular Caulfield Racecourse, the Underwood Stakes is an 1800m test having been run at this distance consistently since 1994. Prior to that the race was conducted over varying distances between 1400m and 2000m.
Horses in the Underwood Stakes field must be aged at least three-years-old and the event is contested at weight-for-age.
It has held Group 1 status since 1979, the year Valley Of Georgia won.
The Underwood Stakes is the fourth Group 1 race of the spring in Melbourne following the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield in late August, the Group 1 A.J. Moir Stakes (1000m) for the sprinters at The Valley, and the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Get the best Underwood Stakes Day racing odds for Melbourne, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the meeting’s feature Group 1 races now at the TAB NZ!
Expert Tips on the 2026 Underwood Stakes
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Underwood Stakes betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature at Caulfield.
Bet on the next Underwood Stakes winner now!
Underwood Stakes Betting Info
Underwood Stakes betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 Melbourne spring race down under at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Underwood Stakes betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Underwood Stakes odds online.
All-In Underwood Stakes betting markets are then available following the official Underwood Stakes nominations taken on the Monday of race week.
Betting on the Underwood Stakes field is available following final acceptances, which close on the Wednesday of race week.
Betting on the Underwood Stakes often favours middle distance and staying gallopers coming off lead-up runs in the Makybe Diva Stakes, with this race proving a good form line to follow into the Underwood Stakes each spring.
Underwood Stakes race betting traditionally focuses on the older runners aged at least six who have an outstanding record in the event and those heading towards bigger and better events over the spring.
For the best online betting on the Underwood Stakes, consider tipping a horse to win both the Underwood Stakes and another Group 1 race over the carnival in a spring double!
Underwood Stakes Field & Acceptance Dates
It is crucial to take note of when the Underwood Stakes field is out, what time Underwood Stakes nominations close, and the official Underwood Stakes acceptance dates when placing an Underwood Stakes bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.
The Underwood Stakes field features a capacity of 16 horses plus emergencies.
See below for the official Underwood Stakes field dates for 2025.
- 2026 Underwood Stakes Nominations: Close on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 12:00pm (AEST).
- 2026 Underwood Stakes Final Field: Revealed on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 9:30am.
- 2026 Underwood Stakes Barrier Draw: Conducted on Wednesday, September 16,, 2026.
Where can you bet on the Underwood Stakes?
The best place to bet on this year’s Underwood Stakes race is through the TAB NZ online.
Underwood Stakes Odds
Underwood Stakes odds and online betting tips on the Underwood Stakes are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the older runners in the race and New Zealand-trained gallopers who have a great record in the event heading towards the event third or fourth-up for the spring.
Where can I find the Underwood Stakes odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Underwood Stakes, TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.
How to Place a Bet on the Underwood Stakes
Want to know how to make a bet on the Underwood Stakes? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Underwood Stakes betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Underwood Stakes online. You can place an Underwood Stakes bet online anytime markets are live. There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Underwood Stakes.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Underwood Stakes is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Underwood Stakes race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the spring carnival at Caulfield Racecourse, the Underwood Stakes has it all!
This important spring lead-up race showcases Australia’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as the countdown to the ‘Big 3’ spring majors heats up!
How to Bet on the Underwood Stakes in 2026?
1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.
2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.
3. Check out the Underwood Stakes betting guide, Underwood Stakes form guide and our expert Underwood Stakes tips.
4. Choose an Underwood Stakes bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Underwood Stakes Trifecta. There are many more Underwood Stakes betting options available so make sure to check out our Underwood Stakes betting markets.
5. Select the Underwood Stakes horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Underwood Stakes nominations or Underwood Stakes field.
What are the popular betting markets for the Underwood Stakes?
When it comes to betting on the Underwood Stakes, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:
Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.
Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.
Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.
What makes betting on the Underwood Stakes so popular?
The fact that the Underwood Stakes is the first Group 1 race each spring contested over further than 1600m and one of the key lead-up races at the Melbourne Carnival of Racing make it a must watch and must bet on horse racing event.
What makes the Underwood Stakes so special?
The Underwood Stakes serves as a great guide historically to other important spring races like the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, so using the Underwood form for these upcoming events is popular with punters.
Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the thrilling 1800m spring event every season to see if their bets on the Underwood Stakes won!
The Underwood Stakes currently offers A$1 million in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners from across the country and further abroad keen to add their names to the list of Underwood Stakes champions.
How many horses can run in the Underwood Stakes?
The Underwood Stakes field has a 16-starter limit plus emergencies with final acceptances announced the Wednesday of race week.
In recent years the Underwood Stakes field has run under capacity with the event often attracting 10 or less runners.
Underwood Stakes race tips centre on proven weight-for-age stars that have good lead-up form, horses with previous experience at the track, and Kiwi-trained horses who have a dominant recent record in the race.
The Underwood Stakes is a weight-for-age race open to horses aged three-years-old and above meaning the older the horse is the more weight they will carry.
The highest-rated horse in the Underwood Stakes field dons the number one saddlecloth.
How many mares have won the Underwood Stakes in recent years?
Bonneval (2017) is the only mare to win the Underwood Stakes since Tristarc back in 1985.
What age group has the best Underwood Stakes record?
Four-year-olds have dominated the Underwood Stakes results in recent years with 10 saluting between 2000 and 2026, most recently Homesman in 2018.
The oldest recent Underwood Stakes winner was Black Heart Bart in 2019 who saluted as a nine-year-old. Black Heart Bart also won the race three years earlier in 2016 as a six-year-old.
The youngest recent Underwood Stakes winner was Russian Camelot in 2020 who beat home the older horses as a three-year-old.
In the past decade the older horses have had the best Underwood Stakes record. From 2014-2026, nine of the 13 Underwood Stakes winners were aged at least six-years-old.
Between 2000 and 2026 the breakdown of Underwood Stakes winners by age is as follows:
- 3YOS – 1 (latest Russian Camelot in 2020)
- 4YOs – 10 (latest Homesman in 2018)
- 5YOs – 4 (latest Sir Delius in 2025)
- 6YOs – 8 (latest Birdman in 2026)
- 7YOs – 2 (latest Alligator Blood in 2023)
- 8YOs – 1 (latest Mourinho in 2015)
- 9YOs – 1 (latest Black Heart Bart in 2019)
Underwood Stakes Prize Money
The Underwood Stakes prize money may not compare to the stakes on offer in events like the A$20 million The Everest and A$10 million The Golden Eagle which are both held in Sydney over the spring, but it remains a highlight of the Australian racing calendar.
The Underwood Stakes prize money is set at A$1 million in total stakes allocated between first to eighth place.
How much does the Underwood Stakes winner get? The winning Underwood Stakes horse receives a total of A$600,000 in prize money.
See below for the official breakdown of Underwood Stakes prizes on offer from the Underwood Stakes winner to the eighth horse to cross the finish line in the official Underwood Stakes results.
- First: A$600,000
- Second: A$180,000
- Third: A$90,000
- Fourth: A$45,000
- Fifth: A$25,000
- Sixth: A$20,000
- Seventh: A$20,000
- Eighth: A$20,000
Conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), the Underwood Stakes is a mid-carnival feature race at the Caulfield track over the all-important Melbourne Spring Carnival.
The Underwood Stakes has been won by a host of turf greats including many reigning or subsequent Cox Plate winners and Caulfield Cup champions.
How many international horses have won the Underwood Stakes?
None. So far, a horse trained outside of Australia or New Zealand has not won the Underwood Stakes with most Northern Hemisphere raiders opting to target the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup races later in the spring.
How many horses have won the Underwood Stakes more than once?
Fourteen horses have won multiple editions of the race including a three-time champion Ajax (1938, 1939, 1940) and Black Heart Bart (2016, 2019) whose two victories came three years apart.
Multiple Underwood Stakes Champions
Whittier (1924-25), Highland (1928-29), Hall Mark (1933-34), Young Idea (1935 & 1937), Ajax (1938-40), Attley (1946-47), Beau Gem (1949-50), Flying Halo (1953-44), Lord (1958 & 1960), Aquanita (1961-62), Future (1965-67), Northerly (2001-02), Black Heart Bart (2016 & 2019), and Alligator Blood (2022-23).
Underwood Stakes Race Records
What was the fastest Underwood Stakes winning time? Birdman won the Underwood Stakes in 2026 in a smart time of 1 minute 47:15 seconds over the 1800m breaking the previous record set 26 years earlier.
What races will runners out of the Underwood Stakes target in the spring?
Following a run in the Underwood Stakes key spring targets for the top contenders include Flemington’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) in early October, the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) run at Caulfield, the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) for which the Underwood Stakes winner is exempt from ballot for, and the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) with Australasia’s weight-for-age championship taking place at The Valley in late October.
Sir Delius (2025) was the last horse to complete the Underwood Stakes – Turnbull Stakes double in the same calendar year.
Alligator Blood (2023) was the last horse to complete the Underwood Stakes – Might And Power Stakes in the same calendar year.
Elvstroem (2004) was the last horse to complete the Underwood Stakes – Caulfield Cup in the same calendar year.
So You Think (2010) was last horse to complete the Underwood Stakes – Cox Plate double in the same calendar year.
The Underwood Stakes graduates may also potentially head into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) run over the two miles at Flemington on the first Tuesday of November.
What Time Does the Underwood Stakes Start?
The Underwood Stakes start time is traditionally scheduled after 4:00pm (local time).
Underwood Stakes Barriers
The Underwood Stakes barrier draw and allocated Underwood Stakes gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
When is the Underwood Stakes barrier draw?
The Underwood Stakes barrier draw is conducted on the same day as final acceptances close which is the Wednesday of race week around 9:30am local Melbourne time.
Barriers have historically affected the Underwood Stakes results with the distance and make-up of the course best suited to horses drawn between barriers two and eight.
Barrier 4 is the most recent Underwood Stakes winning barrier with Birdman in 2026.
Barrier 10 is the latest Underwood Stakes gate to produce back-to-back winners with Buckaroo (2024) and Sir Delius (2025).
Six Underwood Stakes winners from 2000-2026 jumped from double-digit gates most recently Dundeel (12 in 2013), Buckaroo (10 in 2024) and Sir Delius (10 in 2025).
Barrier 13 is the widest barrier to produce an Underwood Stakes winner between 2000 and 2026 with Rubiscent the latest to salute from that gate in 2007.
What is the most successful recent Underwood Stakes barrier draw?
Barriers 4 has produced five Underwood Stakes winners between 2000 and 2026, most recently Birdman (2026).
Breakdown of winning Underwood Stakes barriers between 2000-26:
- Barrier 1 – 0
- Barrier 2 – 3 (latest Alligator Blood in 2022)
- Barrier 3 – 3 (latest Zaaki in 2021)
- Barrier 4 – 5 (latest Birdman in 2026)
- Barrier 5 – 2 (latest Homesman in 2018)
- Barrier 6 – 4 (latest Black Heart Bart in 2019)
- Barrier 7 – 2 (latest El Segundo in 2006)
- Barrier 8 – 2 (latest Alligator Blood in 2023)
- Barrier 9 – 0
- Barrier 10 – 2 (latest Sir Delius in 2025)
- Barrier 11 – 0
- Barrier 12 – 2 (latest Dundeel in 2013)
- Barrier 13 – 2 (latest Rubiscent in 2007)
Underwood Stakes Betting Favourites
Favourites in Underwood Stakes betting are those horses that jump at the shortest Underwood Stakes odds.
Last Underwood Stakes favourite to win: Sir Delius ($2.10 in 2025)
Last odds-on Underwood Stakes favourite to win: Zaaki ($1.18 in 2021)
Last Underwood Stakes favourite to finish worse than third: Place Du Carrousel (8th in 2024)
The last Underwood Stakes favourite to finish worse than third and miss out on a spot in the Underwood Stakes trifecta was Place Du Carrousel who started at $3.80 before running eighth to Buckaroo ($9) in 2024.
Underwood Stakes Form
We offer a complete Underwood Stakes form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Underwood Stakes field in addition to insider Underwood Stakes racing tips and betting odds.
Our Underwood Stakes form guides include:
- Underwood Stakes race preview and predictions
- Racing analysis on the event and runners
- Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
- Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
- Runner commentary
Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in the Underwood Stakes or you are an expert Underwood Stakes tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Underwood Stakes.
Underwood Stakes Winners
Notable Underwood Stakes winners throughout history include:
Phar Lap (1931): One of the best known and most loved racehorses of all time, the Kiwi-bred champion is part of racing folklore for his incredible feats on the track including the Melbourne Cup (1930) as well as his untimely and mysterious death.
Hall Mark (1933-34): Legendary Australian Thoroughbred stallion trained by the esteemed Jack Holt. He showcased his versatility by winning races at various distances, from sprints to long races. Hall Mark’s impressive career included 18 victories, often ridden by legendary jockeys Bill Duncan and Frank Dempsey. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Hall Mark was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2019.
Ajax (1938-40): Racing sensation Ajax was on an 18-straight winning streak before going down at 40/1 to end the charmed run in 1939. Some of his best-known victories were three-peats in the Underwood Stakes, Memsie Stakes, Futurity Stakes, and All Aged Stakes between 1938 and 1940.
Lord (1958 & 1960): Kiwi-bred champion who most famously won the Memsie Stakes on four occasions.
Tobin Bronze (1966): Star weight-for-age galloper of the 1960s who twice won the Cox Plate in 1966 and 1967.
Bonecrusher (1986): Iconic Kiwi thoroughbred who developed a cult-like following with race fans during the 1980s. Went on to win the Cox Plate in the same year.
Octagonal (1996): Legendary New Zealand-bred, Australian-raced Thoroughbred affectionately known as “The Big O” or “Occy.” Sired by the champion Zabeel, Octagonal’s remarkable career solidified her status as a racing icon and he was awarded the Australian Champion Two Year Old (1995), Australian Champion Three Year Old (1996), and Australian Horse of the Year (1996).
Tie The Knot (1998): 13-time Group 1 winner and champion stayer who famously won the Sydney Cup twice in 1998 and 1999 as well as showing off his versatility with four consecutive victories in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1999-2002).
Northerly (2001-02): Dual champion Northerly is widely considered one of Australia’s finest middle-distance thoroughbred horses of the early 2000s. Trained by the legendary Western Australian harness racing trainer Fred Kersley, he achieved remarkable success, winning nine Group 1 races, including claiming both the Australian Cup and Cox Plate on two occasions.
Black Heart Bart (2016, 2019): Dual champion three years apart he is the oldest Underwood Stakes winner claiming his second in 2019 as a nine-year-old. He contested the race four years running also unplaced in 2017 (5th) and 2018 (7th).
Sir Delius (2025): Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott’s untapped import was enormous second-up with the well-bred son of boom sire Frankel charging up the middle late to wear down the defending champion Buckaroo in a hugely exciting finish to the 2025 edition.
Bet on the next Underwood Stakes winner with our comprehensive Underwood Stakes form guide and expert Underwood Stakes tips at the TAB NZ!
Underwood Stakes Results
| Year | Winner | Second | Third | Winning Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Birdman | Cosmic Crusader | Attrition | 1:47.15 (R) |
| 2025 | Sir Delius | Buckaroo | Golden Path | 1:49.12 |
| 2024 | Buckaroo | Huetor | Pericles | 1:49.00 |
| 2023 | Alligator Blood | Tuvalu | Duais | 1:48.53 |
| 2022 | Alligator Blood | Mo’unga | Zaaki | 1:48.98 |
| 2021 | Zaaki | Probabeel | Superstorm | 1:49.20 |
| 2020 | Russian Camelot | Humidor | Arcadia Queen | 1:50.8 |
| 2019 | Black Heart Bart | Homesman | Gailo Chop | 1:49.2 |
| 2018 | Homesman | Tosen Basil | Humidor | 1:48.7 |
| 2017 | Bonneval | Hartnell | Gailo Chop | 1:48.4 |
| 2016 | Black Heart Bart | He Or She | Lucia Valentina | 1:50.6 |
| 2015 | Mourinho | Fawkner | The Cleaner | 1:48.8 |
| 2014 | Foreteller | Happy Trails | Crackerjack King | 1:50.2 |
| 2013 | It’s A Dundeel | Atlantic Jewel | Dear Demi | 1:54.7 |
| 2012 | Ocean Park | Voila Ici | December Draw | 1:51.4 |
| 2011 | Lion Tamer | Southern Speed | Midas Touch | 1:50.0 |
| 2010 | So You Think | Dariana | Metal Bender | 1:49.5 |
| 2009 | Heart Of Dreams | Whobegotyou | Predatory Pricer | 1:49.5 |
| 2008 | Weekend Hussler | Pompeii Ruler | Littorio | 1:49.8 |
| 2007 | Rubiscent | Miss Finland | Marasco | 1:49.0 |
| 2006 | El Segundo | Polar Bear | Molotov | 1.49.5 |
| 2005 | Perlin | Our Smoking Joe | Shes Justa Tad | 1.52.7 |
| 2004 | Elvstroem | Shes Archie | Delzao | 1.50.0 |
| 2003 | Mummify | Grey Song | Aint Seen Nothing | 1.49.5 |
| 2002 | Northerly | Magical Miss | Don Eduardo | 1.48.9 |
| 2001 | Northerly | Universal Prince | Kaapstad Way | 1.50.2 |