Bletchingly Stakes

BLETCHINGLY STAKES

The Bletchingly Stakes is the first group status horse race of the Melbourne Spring Carnival each year and kick starts the new racing season.

Taking place in late July or early August, the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes is run under weight-for-age conditions over a 1200m sprint distance, making it an ideal first-up run for horses resuming racing after a spell.

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Held at Caulfield Racecourse, one of Victoria’s premier racing venues, the Bletchingly Stakes is worth $125,000 in prizemoney, is open to all ages and genders, and attracts a quality field of sprinters and gallopers each edition.

History

First run in 1994, the Bletchingly Stakes is one of the younger Melbourne spring features. From its inauguration until 2003 the race was run over a slightly shorter 1,100m but was increased to its current 1,200m distance in 2004.

It began as a Listed race, but the high number of classy horses nominated for the race season after season saw it elevated to a Group 3 race in 1997.

Follow Up Races

Horses that contest the Bletchingly Stakes more often than not continue on to race in other Melbourne Spring Carnival events.

Connections usually first look at other weight-for-age races including the Group 2 JJ Liston Stakes (1400m) and the Group 2 Memsie Stakes (1400m), providing gallopers with a slight increase in distance to further prepare them for the middle distance spring features.

Past Winners

Many exciting horses have won the Bletchingly Stakes including brilliant sprinter Apache Cat (2007). Below is a list of all the winners from 1994 – 2009.

The Bletchingly Stakes provides punters with the first major betting opportunity of the spring racing season and attracts many bets. It is also an ideal race to watch as an indicator of the form of runners on way to the more prestigious spring features and the smart punter will take note of the winners and placegetters for their future bets.