Sandown Stakes

Winners and Past Results

Melbourne Racing Club plays host to the 1500 metre Group 3 Sandown Stakes in November during the spring racing carnival. Horses come under the starter's order at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne in this quality handicap race for a chance to take home a purse worth $125,000. Refund $100 Bet

The event is held alongside the Group 2 Sandown Classic and Sandown Guineas, leaving room for punters to bring in some big money at the end of the spring or square their positions on what is considered the biggest day in the racing calendar at Sandown. It was held as the Alannah & Madeline Foundation Stakes in 2011.

Being the final black type race during the spring carnival the Sandown Stakes may not attract top milers and sprinters but rather a mixed field of horses that have already had a number of runs during the spring carnival and freshers seeking to add a group race to their kitty. However, recent form cannot be ignored and is more often a guide to picking a winner or strong placegetter. Most importantly, solid handicappers that can withstand the tough uphill home straight at Sandown have a better chance of making it to the winning post, a task that has been achieved by several successful gallopers over the years.

Lead up races include the the 1600 M Group 1 Myer Classic also at Flemington Racecourse and the 1400 M Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield Races although they haven't been handy form guides in the recent past. Runner up in 2011, Sistine Angel was unplaced in both events although she earlier managed to finish second in the 1200 M Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington in early October. Third placed Orbit Express remained unplaced in the Gilgai Stakes in his last group event prior to the Sandown Stakes. Another route may be the 1400 M Group 3 Chatham Stakes held at Flemington in October. Demerit was runner up in both events in 2010. Next on the agenda for some of the top performers may include Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot Racecourse for horses who fancy a trip across the continent for the summer racing carnival in Perth.

The Sandown Stakes was first held as the VATC GJ Coles Stakes as a principal race in 1981 and was soon elevated to Group 3 in 1984. Wrap Around in 1991, Titanic Jack in 2005, and Chasm in 2008 are among the top liners with an affinity for the Sandown track to have added the Sandown Stakes to their kitty.

2011 The Alannah and Madeline Foundation Stakes (Sandown Stakes)

Under The Eiffel was nicely ridden by Craig Williams, racing handy to early leader Launay for the most part and waiting for the right minute to pounce. That time came in the straight when the gelding was asked for a big finishing effort, which he produced with a strong run that was too much for the chasers. Under The Eiffel went to the post nearly two lengths clear of Sistine Angel who only just held off Orbit Express.

2011 The Alannah and Madeline Foundation Stakes (Sandown Stakes) result

1. Under The Eiffel
2. Sistine Angel
3. Orbit Express

Then came:

4. Launay
5. The Big Steel
6. Rockpecker
7. Set The Course
8. Nine Tales
9. Largo Lad
10. Here De Angels