Wakeful Stakes

Winners and Past Results for the Wakeful Stakes

Among the Group 2 races hosted by Victoria Racing Club during the Melbourne spring racing carnival is the Wakeful Stakes.

The staying event is for three year old fillies that contest over 2000 metres of the Flemington Racetrack under set weight and penalties conditions. The race is usually held towards the end of October with a number of above average stayers making their way to the starting gate for a shot at prize money worth $300,000. The Wakeful Stakes is held on the first day of the four-day Flemington racing carnival on AAMI Victoria Derby day along with other Group 1 races including the Myer Classic, Mackinnon Stakes, and Coolmore Stud Stakes.

For many fillies, the Wakeful Stakes is the ideal preparation for the prestigious Group 1 Crown Oaks, the female equivalent of the Victoria Derby held the following Thursday. Horses may tackle the Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield Racecourse over 1600 metres on their way here. Another warm up event that may prove to be a handy form guide is the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes also held at Flemington. Many horses use this Manifold Stakes as a warm up to the Thousand Guineas and Wakeful Stakes.

Some of the fillies that won the Wakeful Stakes and went on to become stars of the turf include Research in 1988 and Kensington Palace in 1997. Hollow Bullet and Serenade Rose were victorious in 2004 and 2005 while Tuesday Joy and Zarita are also the outstanding mares to win in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

A horse named Protea won the inaugural event as a principal race in 1932 over 10 furlongs. Brava Jeannie was the first to win the Wakeful Stakes as a Group 2 race in 1979.

2012 Wakeful Stakes

As the field embarked on the 2000 metre journey, Transonic and Donna Cattiva were aggressively ridden, springing to the front and ensuring a cracking pace was set. At the other end of the field, the favourite, Zydeco, was much more circumspect in the hands of Kerrin McEvoy. As the field hurried to the turn, Zydeco made a move, being guided as wide as possible for a clear run home. With plenty left in reserve, Zydeco was untroubled in racing to the lead and going to the line two lengths clear of $101 outsider Maraatib, with Transonic doing well to hold on for third spot after setting the pace throughout.

2012 Wakeful Stakes result

1. Zydeco
2. Maraatib
3. Transonic

Then came:

4. Dear Demi
5. Kate
6. Mama's Choice
7. La Zuma
8. Donna Cattiva
9. Zuccotto
10. Tyanna
11. Ten Black
12. Madam Archer