Caulfield Guineas Prelude

Winners and Past Results for the Caulfield Guineas Prelude

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude is a Melbourne Racing Club Group 3 Australian horse race for colts and geldings aged 3 years old.

The 1400 metre race is held at the Caulfield race track under set weight plus penalty conditions. Another major race included in the day's race card is the Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes. The Thousand Guineas Prelude is the female equivalent of the event which is held on the day of the Underwood Stakes. Both the Preludes are a lead up to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas held over 1600 metres on the same track in October. Anacheeva in 2010 and Helmet in 2011 went on to win the Caulfield Guineas.

Horses may tackle the 1400 M Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney prior to making their way to the Caulfield Guineas Prelude. The race is also a major guide for future races during the spring carnival. Horses may make their way to the Group 2 AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley. Anacheeva was victorious in the 1200 M Listed Nissan McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley prior to winning the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and the Caulfield Guineas. Fifth in 2010, Rekindled Interest won the Group 2 AAMI Vase in his next outing. Prior to winning the Prelude he finished fifth in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington. Top sprinters also tackle the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Third in the Caulfield Guineas in 2009, Manhattan Rain improved on his performance to finish runner up in the Cox Plate. Starspangledbanner became a star performer after placing fourth in the Prelude. His win in the 2009 Caulfield Guineas was the launching pad for a successful international career.

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude began as a listed race in 1985 and was elevated to Group 3 in 2001. Other sprinters to achieve success include Whobegotyou, who after a minor placing in 2008 won the Bill Stutt Stakes and Caulfield Guineas in succession. He also ran second in the AAMI Victoria Derby proving himself as a stayer as well. The Caulfield Guineas Prelude has horses moving on to tackle many races during the season, which is why punters ought to keep a close watch on horses that enter the fray.

Among the notable horses to win the Caulfield Guineas Prelude over the years include Strategic in 1995, Elvstroem in 2003, Apache Cat in 2005, Purrealist in 2007, and Demerit in 2009.

2012 Caulfield Guineas Prelude

Up-and-coming colt Epaulette settled in fourth place for jockey Kerrin McEvoy while up front, Let Go Lenni was setting the early pace, which was average at best. Epaulette was pushed forward by McEvoy and coming into the straight he had Let Go Lenni in his sights and looked like he would run away with it. However, after hitting the front, Epaulette seemed to switch off a little and Let Go Lenni had some fight left in him, which meant Epaulette went to the post just a half neck clear in the end. Awesome Bro was right in the frame at the finish, claiming third place just a neck away from Let Go Lenni.

2012 Caulfield Guineas Prelude result

1. Epaulette
2. Let Go Lenni
3. Awesome Bro

Then came:
4. Ashokan
5. Shamexpress
6. Dominant
7. If I Could
8. Timely Truce