Todman Stakes

Winners and Past Results

Among the major Group races for two year old colts & geldings hosted by the Australian Turf Club during the Sydney autumn racing carnival in March is the Todman Stakes. Bonus $250 Bet That Can't lose

The Todman Stakes is held over 1200 metres at Rosehill Racecourse under set weight conditions on the same day as the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Classic and Ranvet Stakes. The female equivalent of the race, the Reisling Stakes is also on the day's race card. Prize money worth $300,000 is at stake in the race where the winner also gains automatic entry for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes, held two weeks later over the same distance and on the same track. Level weights usually favour classier sprinters, many of whom have gone on to achieve greater success during their career. The last horse to score a Todman Stakes / Golden Slipper Stakes double was Tierce in 1991. Runner up in 2009, Phelan Ready won the Golden Slipper in his next outing.

Two year olds usually make their way to the Todman Stakes after a run in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes run over 1200 metres a week earlier at the Randwick Racetrack. Some horses may come in after a spell. Other lead up races include the 1200 M Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes at Randwick a week earlier and the 1100 M Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes held also at Randwick a fortnight earlier. Therefore, punters ought to keep an eye on these events when selecting a winner for the Todman Stakes.

A number of classy sprinters have added the Todman Stakes to their resume although there has been a lack of Golden Slipper champions. The list includes Octagonal in 1995 and General Nediym in 1997. Exceed And Excel was another classy sprinter to win in 2003 while Charge Forward was next in line in 2004. The Todman Stakes was first held in 1973 as a principal race with Imagele recorded as the first winner. It was granted Group 3 status in 1980 and was stepped up to Group 2 in 1987.

2012 Todman Slipper Trial

There has never been any doubt about Pierro's ability but in this Golden Slipper trial, he showed that he has plenty of fight in him as well. The unbeaten colt sat nicely through the journey giving jockey Nash Rawiller a nice ride but in the straight, Pierro was challenged by Epaulette and it looked like the outsider might pull off a major upset by beating the favourite. However, Pierro responded to the challenge and fought back strongly, showing determination and speed to draw level with Epaulette and grab the lead just before the post, going on to win by a short head. Shelford was well back in third.

2012 Todman Slipper Trial result

1. Pierro
2. Epaulette
3. Shelford

Then came:

4. Amorino
5. Faustus
6. Trophies
7. Red Excitement