St George Stakes

Winners and Past Results

Held under the aegis of the Melbourne Racing Club, the St. George Stakes is a Group 2 weight for age race held at the end of February at the beginning of the autumn racing carnival. Free $200 Bet from IASbet

The 1800 metre race is held at Caulfield Racecourse on Blue Diamond Stakes day. Other features on the day's card include the Group 1 Futurity Stakes and Oakleigh Plate. Horses compete over 1800 metres of the Caulfield circuit for prize money worth $200,000. The race attracts a number of promising milers that seek to improve the staying ability with an eye on the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington Racecourse in March.

Horses may contest in a number of mile and long distance group races prior to entering the St. George Stakes. The Group 1 CF Orr Stakes held earlier during the carnival is among the lead up events in the weight for age group, which horses may tackle prior to the St. George Stakes.

The Group 1 Australian Cup held at Flemington on Super Saturday may be next on the cards for in form gallopers although top placegetters in the St. George Stakes have not fared well in the Australian Cup in recent times. However, some of the earlier topliners including Vo Rogue, Let's Elope, Durbridge, Dane Ripper, Istidaad, and in recent times Northerly in 2002-03, Theseo in 2003, Lonhro in 2004, and Pompeii Ruler in 2007, continued their fine form to win the Australian Cup as well.

Since the first St. George Stakes in 1900 several horses have won consecutive titles which include Comic Court, Lord, Dhaulagiri, Rain Lover, Vo Rogue, Durbridge, and Northerly being the last to achieve the feat. Among the outstanding talent is the mighty Phar Lap who also won way back in 1931. The race has enjoyed Group 2 status since 1979.

2012 Peter Young Stakes (formerly St George Stakes)

Imported galloper Lucas Cranach enhanced his reputation with a fine win in this 1800 metre weight-for-age event. The stayer, having his first start under 2000 metres, was held at the back of the field while a solid pace was set up front and moved to the outside of the field as they approached the turn. In the straight, Lucas Cranach was asked to accelerate and he responded, staging a finishing run that took him to the lead and a resounding win. Illo was more than a length back in second, just holding off a strong finish from Manighar.

2012 Peter Young Stake result

1. Lucas Cranach
2. Illo
3. Manighar

Then came:

4. Glass Harmonium
5. Southern Speed
6. Ranger
7. Precedence
8. King Diamond
9. Mourayan
10. Efficient
11. Cannonball
12. Zavite