Saturday Bets! 2026 The Galaxy
- Andy G
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Four more G1s, four different distances, one massive day – the eyes of Australian Racing will be fixed on Rosehill Gardens this Saturday with more G1 excitement on the track with the running of the Ranvet, George Ryder, Rosehill Guineas and The Galaxy.
The Galaxy, a sprint raced over 1100m, was first run in 1972, with the inaugural winner being PLAYBILL. Now celebrating its 55th edition, the race is contested under Handicap conditions and was elevated to G1 status in 1984, cementing its reputation as a premier event on Golden Slipper Day. For decades, the race was traditionally held at Randwick, before moving permanently to Rosehill in 2013, where it continues to attract the nation’s fastest sprinters.
Over the years, the Galaxy has produced a string of legendary winners who have left their mark on racing history, including LUSKIN STAR (1978), MR TIZ (1991), SCHILLACI (1992), and the modern superstar NATURE STRIP (2019).
Trainer/Jockey Chat
A few standout performers are clearly capturing attention. Among the Jockeys, Tim Clark has been nothing short of exceptional, surpassing market expectations by an impressive 39% over his last 100 rides, a figure that sits 34% above his already strong career strike rate - he will be guiding the highly fancied HEDGED on Saturday making him a key rider to watch. Not far behind, James McDonald, who may have cemented his number one status by breaking the G1 record by this time on Saturday, outperforming market expectations by 25% across his last 100 rides, and he takes the reins on GENEROSITY, adding further intrigue to the race.
On the Trainers front, Peter Snowden stands out as a commanding force, exceeding market expectations by a remarkable 42% in his last 100 runners and operating 38% above his career strike rate - his top prospect is BEADMAN, the Fireball Stakes winner.
Here are the historical stats and trends to help you land the winner of the 2026 edition:
Only 6 Favourites have won since 1996, showing they’re generally unsuccessful in The Galaxy. However, 4 of those Favourites wins have come in the last 9 years – including PRIVATE HARRY in 2025 indicating a recent shift back towards the top of the market.
So value – 10 of the past 12 winners who were not Favourites had double-digit odd SPs ranging from $10 to $26, reinforcing value results.
While historically there’s been no clear bias across draws, recent results show a strong lean toward Barriers 2 – 6 which have produced 5 of the last 6 winners.
On-pace to midfield – 9 of the last 11 winners were positioned 3rd to 7th when making the turn for home – anything further back seems disadvantageous.
Winners come through a variety of lead-ups, but in recent years, the Challenge Stakes has become a key reference, producing 3 winners in the past 5 years.
Another lead-up consideration has been the success of 1UP contenders – 5 winners in the past 13 years, including last year’s winner PRIVATE HARRY, benefited from being fresh.
Lightweights have had a major advantage – the last 4 winners carried 53kg or less, and 9 of the past 10 winners carried 55kg or less.
So heavy have no luck – only 5 horses since 1996 have won carrying 55.5kg or more.
Mares have performed strongly in The Galaxy, winning 6 of the last 11 editions, while PRIVATE HARRY’s win was an anomaly for the 3YOs – only 2 have won in the past 15 years.
Get Nic Ashman's insights into this weekend's racing at Rosehill as well as across the country via the latest episode of our Saturday Bets! podcast below.
To maximise your chances based on historical data, look for a runner who:
Not the Favourite - value odds
Drawn Barrier 2 - 6
Looking to be 3rd - 7th at the 400m
Under 55kg - ideally under 53kg
Andy's Tip: 16. BEADMAN $15
The good news is we have value with 14/16 runners with OPs in the double-digit odd range. But now - which one? RESERVE BANK has the weight and the barrier position - but will need to be up on speed to challenge 1UP. A case could be made for the 3YOs BEADMAN and MARHOONA who will up on speed and the lightest of weights, but dont have ideal barriers. Challenge Stakes winner GENEROSITY has a claim with J-Mac and Waller in the corner, thats the problem with the barrier too out in 17. Will we get to and stay on a Heavy - then hello MAZU. So what to do - the historical data seems to favour a few. In the end, cant ignore the value; cant ignore the position at the 400m; cant ignore the lightweight - cant ignore BEADMAN.
Nic Ashman's Tip: 4. HEDGED $12
"Since the draw he's the one looking like he'll get the perfect run in behind a tempo that might soften through the middle stages. Placed in the Oakleigh Plate and drops 4kg off that. He doesn't want it too wet though. Bet late if weather holds up."
Also taking place this Saturday at Rosehill are three more G1s – the Rosehill Guineas, the George Ryder and the Ranvet. Below are some historical stats and trends to consider when trying to land a winner:
ROSEHILL GUINEAS
2000m – Group 1 – 3YO: Set Weights
9 of the last 15 winners were Favourites, including 4 of the last 5.
ROI on Favourites staking $100 each year over the past decade = + $850.
18 of the last 19 winners had SPs of $8 or less; 11 of the last 16 were $7 or less.
Only one double-digit winner in 18 years – CRITERION (2014).
The last 6 winners all jumped between Barriers 5 – 9.
12 of the last 16 winners came through the Randwick Guineas, including 7 of the last 8.
5 of the last 7 winners ran top 2 in the Randwick Guineas last start.
Saddlecloths 1, 2 or 3 have won the last 7 editions.
GEORGE RYDER STAKES
1500m – Group 1 – Weight For Age
Favourites have won twice in the past 6 years; WINX won 4 in a row before that.
Excluding Favourites and WINX, 7 of the past 9 winners had SPs at double-digit odds ranging between $11 - $26.
10 of the past 13 winners jumped from Barriers 4 – 8.
8 winners in the past decade settled between 3rd – 7th at the 800m mark.
9 of the last 10 winners placed at their previous start.
Excluding WINX, only one Mare has won in 30 years – FORBIDDEN LOVE (2022).
Unlucky 10 – Barrier and Saddlecloth have not won in over 30 years.
RANVET STAKES
2000m – Group 1 – Weight For Age
14 winners have been Favourites since 1996.
Last 11 winners all had SPs of $9.50 or less; the last double-digit winner SILENT ACHIEVER (2014).
6 of the last 9 winners were drawn and won from Barriers 1 – 4.
4 of the last 5 winners carried Saddlecloth 6.
Last 6 winners were either 1UP or 2UP coming through the Verry Elleegant.
4 of the last 5 winners were Mares.
McDonald/Waller have combined for 3 of the last 5 winners.
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