HDF McNeil Stakes

Winners and Past Results

The Group 3 HDF McNeil Stakes is an open race for three year old horses held at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne spring racing carnival. FREE $250 Bet

The 1200 metre sprint race is held under set weight plus penalty with $125,000 going to the winners. The race is usually scheduled at the end of August and is one of the major black type events of the carnival with horses moving on to seek greater success during the season.

The Memsie Stakes is also on the day's schedule. For many horses, McNeil Stakes is a stepping stone to major Group 1 and Group 3 events later during the carnival, which is why quality gallopers assemble at the starting gate. Among the major races that horses may tackle during the season include the Group 1 Thousand Guineas Prelude, the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes, and the Group 1 Crown Oaks for fillies. Top performers in the McNeil Stakes are to be watched closely as many may fancy their chances in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas and Coolmore Stud Classic as well. However, most horses seek for a place in the Group 1 Victoria Derby, Danehill Stakes and AAMI Vase as well.

Some of the most talented sprinters have etched their name on the HDF McNeil Stakes over the years which include the talented Bel Esprit in 2002, Danerich in 2005, Scenic Blast in 2006, and Starspangledbanner in 2009. Danzero one of the classic sprinters, won the McNeil Stakes in 1994

Golden Archer, winner of the McNeil Stakes in 2011 came into the race finishing runner up in the Listed Vain Stakes over 1100 metres on the Caulfield track after coming in from a spell. Later, was unplaced in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude. Sistine Angel came in from a spell to win the 2010 HDF McNeil Stakes and followed it up with a second place in the Thousand Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres at Caulfield after which she won the Group 2 Manikato Stakes at Flemington over 1600 metres in October. After finishing fourth in the 2010 McNeil Stakes, Yosei won the Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield. Shamrocker, placed seventh in the race later won the Group 1 AJC Oaks at Randwick and followed it up with another victory in the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington. For punters, horses that pass through the McNeil Stakes ought to be closely watched for the entire season.

2011 HDF McNeil Stakes result

1. Golden Archer
2. Cross Of Gold
3. Vatican

Then came:

4. Delago's Lad
5. Do You Think
6. Metonymy
7. Glissade
8. Satin Shoes
9. Redangelo
10. Arctic Command