Toorak Handicap

Winners and Past Results for the Toorak Handicap.

On Caulfield Guineas Day during the spring racing carnival in October, the Melbourne Racing Club also hosts the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.

The 1600 metre race is held at Caulfield Racecourse with $500,000 in prize money at stake. The open handicap race attracts top class milers on what is the first day of the three day racing carnival at Caulfield. The other feature race of the day is the Yalumba Stakes. The race suits sprinters who have proved their ability to run the mile rather than the staying types. A large field of gallopers come under the starter's orders in the race with those on the inside barrier at a distinct advantage.

Punters ought to keep a close watch on the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes held at the same track over 1400 metres a fortnight earlier. The race is a handy form guide with Barely A Moment winning the Rupert Clarke Stakes / Toorak Handicap double in 2004, followed by Regal Roller in 2005. Third placed in 2011, Luen Yat Forever ran fifth in the Rupert Clarke Stakes on his way here. Horses may also come via the Group 1 George Main Stakes held at the Randwick Racecourse over the same distance.

Top performers may move on to tackle a number of mile races and test their staying ability up to 2000 metres during the season although the Group 1 WS Cox Plate over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley may be next on the cards for the better performers, although the race has not produced any winners in recent times. The Group 3 Chatham Stakes held on Derby Day over 1400 metres of the Flemington track may also be next up for some of the horses.

The first Toorak Handicap was held way back in 1881 as a principal race. It was directly promoted to Group 1 in 1979 with Manaroa recorded as the first Group 1 winner. It was earlier held as The IXL and The Elders Mile. However, it has been held as the Toorak Handicap since 1990.