2026 UNDERWOOD STAKES: Preview & Tips
2026 UNDERWOOD STAKES DETAILS
DATE: Saturday September 19
VENUE: Caulfield
DISTANCE: 1800m
CONDITIONS: G1 WFA
PRIZE MONEY: $1 million
With a rich history and a $1 million purse, the Underwood Stakes returns to Caulfield this Saturday over 1800m, where the nation's elite WFA performers will clash in one of Spring's most anticipated G1 contests.
First run in 1924 and won by Whittier, the Underwood began life as the Williamstown Stakes and was conducted at various venues before finding its permanent home at Caulfield in 1948. The race has been contested over distances ranging from 1400m to 2000m but has been run over 1800m since 1994. The Underwood was elevated to G1 status in 1979 and has since become one of Australia's premier WFA contests.
The winners list reads like a who's who of Australian racing royalty, featuring ALLIGATOR BLOOD (2022, 2023), SO YOU THINK (2010), NORTHERLY (2001, 2002), TIE THE KNOT (1998), OCTAGONAL (1996), AJAX (1938, 1939, 1940) and PHAR LAP (1931).
No winner has defied the odds quite like BLACK HEART BART, who stunned punters at $101 in the 2019 Underwood Stakes.
R7 UNDERWOOD STAKES - 1800M
1 2X91 LINDERMANN Blake Shinn (1) $3.50
2 25X5 BUCKAROO Mark Zahra (8) $13
3 0X90 ATTRITION Jamie Mott (7) $126
4 X442 PINSTRIPED Lachlan Neindorf (2) $41
5 X113 COSMIC CRUSADER William Pike (3) $2.75
6 21X6 BIRDMAN Ben Melham (4) $6
7 91X8 MIDDLE EARTH Ethan Brown (5) $67
8 25X1 KINGSWOOD John Allen (9) $19
9 11X0 AELIANA Damian Lane (6) $6
WHO'S HOT? — TRAINER/JOCKEY CHAT
Several key Jockeys and Trainers bring outstanding recent form into the race.
Ben Melham, who rides BIRDMAN, usually exceeds market expectations by 9% but is currently outperforming them by an impressive 29% across his last 100 rides. Ethan Brown is in even stronger touch, surpassing market expectations by 34% from his last 100 rides compared to his usual 12%, and partners MIDDLE EARTH.
Among the Trainers, a pair of lesser-heralded names deserve significant recognition for their recent success. Gavin Bedggood, Trainer of KINGSWOOD, is enjoying a remarkable run, currently outperforming market expectations by 97% from his last 100 runners compared to his usual 8%. Meanwhile, Andrea Leek, who prepares race favourite COSMIC CRUSADER, continues to deliver exceptional results, exceeding market expectations by 55% with her last 100 runners, more than double her already impressive long-term figure of 26%. These statistics suggest several runners will be backed by connections operating at the peak of their powers.
PAST WINNERS & TRENDS SINCE 1991 |
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UNDERWOOD STAKES TRENDS, STATISTICS + FAVOURITES RECORD
The Underwood Stakes has produced some fascinating betting trends over the past three decades. Since 1991, Favourites have enjoyed only moderate success with 10 winners, although they have dominated recently, claiming 4 of the last 6 editions. Despite that strike rate, backing the Favourite has been a losing strategy, with a $100 investment on each Favourite since 1991 returning just $2,433, resulting in a $1,067 loss.
That lack of long-term value has opened the door for upset seekers, with 8 of the last 10 winners who were not Favourite winners starting at $6.50 or longer. Recent form is a critical indicator, with 9 of the past 10 winners finishing in the quinella at their previous start, while the last two winners, BUCKAROO and SIR DELIUS, both raced in the Chelmsford Stakes before taking out the Underwood.
Barriers 5 to 9 have proven the sweet spot, producing 16 winners since 1991, although the past two winners defied the trend from Barrier 10. On-pace runners have also held a significant advantage, with 10 of the last 13 winners settling in the first four at the 800m mark.
Age is another key factor, as 8 of the last 12 winners have been 6YO or older, while Mares have struggled, with BONNEVAL (2017) the only female winner in 35 years - and only 6 Mares winning in 102 editions. Adding further intrigue, the Waterhouse and Bott stable has won three of the last four Underwoods, while Saddlecloth 4 remains winless for the past 35 years.
WHAT HISTORY SAYS WINS
✓ Take the Favourite
✓ If not the Favourite - something over $6.50
✓ Barriers 5-9
✓ 6YO or older
✕ No Mares
✕ Not 4
2026 BEST FIT: #2 BUCKAROO $11
At double-figure value, BUCKAROO shapes as a genuine contender to turn the tables in the Underwood Stakes. The 8YO gelding has been remarkably consistent in this race, winning the event in 2024 before finishing a brave second in 2025, and a return in 2026 could see him reclaim his crown. Drawn perfectly in Barrier 8, he's set to enjoy every chance, while his quote over $6.50 historical stat offers appealing each-way value. Adding further intrigue is the booking of Mark Zahra, a jockey yet to win an Underwood Stakes. Can one of Australia's premier riders finally tick off the race that has eluded him and steer BUCKAROO back to the top?
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NIC ASHMAN'S UNDERWOOD STAKES ANALYSIS
"LINDERMANN leads at a moderate tempo and that gives Blake Shinn the chance to execute a ride this horse thrives on, wind-up from the 700m. Only query with COSMIC CRUSADER is whether 1800m is his best trip and the rest are now catching up in terms of fitness this prep. Hard to ignore BUCKAROO - won this race in 2024 then 2nd to SIR DELIUS 12 months ago - both of totally different race shapes."
$50W #1 LINDERMANN $3.50
$50W #2 BUCKAROO $11
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2025 UNDERWOOD STAKES RESULT
1ST SIR DELIUS $2.10
2ND BUCKAROO $4.80
3RD GOLDEN PATH $21
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