Caulfield hosts a major spring program this Saturday with the SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes featuring two Group 1 races on the card that will shed plenty of light on even bigger spring target races to come.
MRC Chairman John Kanga said the meeting provides an important look at the season ahead. “Racegoers will see how some of the spring feature races are shaping,” said Mr Kanga. “With the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes back in its traditional place, the day offers a strong mix of racing talent as we continue to build momentum towards the weeks ahead."
The $1 million SEN Underwood Stakes is the main race, with defending champion Buckaroo a leading contender. Trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will seek to reclaim the trophy they won with Alligator Blood in 2022 and 2023, with Melbourne Cup favourite, Sir Delius.
The $1 million Sportsbet Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes features emerging talent, with last-start winners Angel Capital and the Mornington-trained Sepals, the favoured runners.
The Group 3 Tobin Brothers Naturalism Stakes, which carries ballot exemption into the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup, has drawn a full field, highlighting its depth and competitiveness. With 12 runners included in first acceptances for the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup, Saturday-favourite Half Yours, as well as Statuario, set out to show their credentials and claim a spot in the great race.
The meeting will honour the Taggart family with the running of The Taggart, a new race celebrating the late Les Taggart – a much-loved industry figure, long-time host of the winning owners’ room at Caulfield, and part-owner of 1979 Blue Diamond winner Star Shower – and his son David, a six-time Group 1-winning jockey who was apprenticed at Caulfield under renowned master Frank King.
Racegoers will find plenty off track, with the SENTrack Deck in The Parade Ring offering live entertainment, food trucks, bar service and live SENTrack broadcasts. Caulfield Wine Bar will feature millinery from leading Australian makers including Zia Pazza Headwear, Felicity Northeast Millinery, and Lauren J Ritchie.
The AFL preliminary final will be shown live and loud for members across the Medallion Bar and Members Concourse, with extended trading hours until 9pm. From 5.15pm, members can catch the Collingwood Magpies taking on the Brisbane Lions broadcast in both spaces.
The 2025 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival Pin and Win campaign continues, raising funds for charity partner, Challenge, supporting kids with cancer. Pins are available for $10 (Caulfield Cup trophy pin) or $20 (Without A Fight commemorative pin) with all proceeds going to Challenge.
SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes promises a strong program of racing and enjoyable day for all racegoers.
MRC Release
