Caulfield Cup 2026: Tips, Predictions & Full Form Guide
The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia's most prestigious staying races and a key lead-up to the Melbourne Cup. Run over 2400 metres at Caulfield Racecourse on 17 October 2026, the race carries a prize pool of $5 million and is the centrepiece of the Caulfield carnival. Notably, the 2026 Caulfield Cup falls on the same day as The Everest at Randwick, creating one of the biggest days in Australian racing.
Race Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Date | Saturday, 17 October 2026 |
| Venue | Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, VIC |
| Distance | 2400 metres |
| Track | Turf |
| Race Type | Handicap |
| Prize Money | $5,000,000 |
| Race Time | Approx. 3:30 PM AEDT |
| Conditions | Open — handicap conditions |
The Caulfield–Melbourne Cup Double
The Caulfield Cup is the most important lead-up to the Melbourne Cup, and the Caulfield–Melbourne Cup double is one of the most coveted achievements in Australian racing. Only a handful of horses have completed the double, including Ethereal (2001) and Might And Power (1997). Horses that run well in the Caulfield Cup and back up for the Melbourne Cup three weeks later have a strong historical record.
Key Lead-Up Races
The Underwood Stakes (Caulfield, 1800m) — Run in late September, this is the first major lead-up for Caulfield Cup contenders.
The Turnbull Stakes (Flemington, 2000m) — Run in early October, this is a key lead-up for horses targeting both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
The Herbert Power Stakes (Caulfield, 2400m) — Run on the same track and distance as the Caulfield Cup, this is the ideal final lead-up.
Caulfield Track Bias
Caulfield is a round track with a long straight. The track typically plays fairly, though a wet track (Soft 5 or heavier) can create a significant bias towards horses with proven wet-track form. Barriers 1–8 are preferred, as horses drawn wide must use energy to find a position in the early stages of the 2400-metre trip.
2026 Early Market Movers
Early market analysis and contender profiles will be published here from August 2026. Check back regularly as the spring carnival develops.
Our Tips & Predictions
Expert tips and confidence ratings for the 2026 Caulfield Cup will be published here from September 2026. Each selection will include a confidence score out of 100, barrier draw assessment, and form summary.
Form Guide
The full form guide for confirmed Caulfield Cup 2026 runners will be published once the field is announced in October 2026.
Betting Strategy
The Caulfield Cup is a handicap race with a large field (typically 18–20 runners). Each-way betting is strongly recommended — most bookmakers pay 4 places each way. Value is often found in horses that have been allocated a light weight (52–54 kg) and have strong staying form.
Exotics — The trifecta and first four are popular Caulfield Cup bets. Given the large field, these pools offer significant value.
Responsible Gambling
Please gamble responsibly. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 if you need support.
Last updated: May 2026. Tips and predictions will be added from September 2026.