Salinger Stakes

Winners and Past Results for the Salinger Stakes.

The Salinger Stakes, previously known as the Linlithgow Stakes  and Emirates Classic, is a Group 2 open handicap race held at Flemington Racecourse in October or early November during the Melbourne spring racing carnival.

The 1200 metre event held under the aegis of the Victoria racing Club offers prize money worth $300,000.

Racegoers throng the Flemington track on the day which includes major Group 1 races such as the Myer Classic, Mackinnon Stakes, Victoria Derby and Coolmore Stud Stakes. The day also heralds the four day Melbourne Cup carnival, adding to the excitement of the occasion with punters looking to begin on a good note. The race attracts some of the top sprinters and horses looking to finally move on to conquer the mile. Flemington's 1200 metre straight to the finish line suits horses who can handle the sustained pressure.

Horses may enter the fray after a run in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint and the Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse. Another event from where horses may come is the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes held earlier at the Moonee Valley track. Sister Madly won the Tristarc Stakes prior to scoring victory in the 2011 Salinger Stakes. The Group 1 Manikato Stakes held at Moonee Valley in late September may also prove to be a worthy guide for the Salinger Stakes. Sister Madly was runner up in the event before claiming the 2011 Salinger Stakes. Third placed Temple Of Boom came into the race after winning the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington over the same distance. Turffontein, runner up in 2009 won the Caulfield Sprint in his next outing.

Classy sprinters have a variety of races to compete in after the Salinger Stakes. The Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic held on the same track on the last day of the carnival is one among many black type options for top performers. Placegetters in the Salinger Stakes have also managed to place well in the Patinack Farm Classic. This includes Sunburnt Lad in 2008 and Turffontein in 2009. Horses to win the Salinger Stakes and Patinack Farm Classic in recent times include Pharien in 1999 and Glamour Puss in 2005.

The event was first known as the VRC Flying Stakes since its inception in 1868 and was only elevated to Group 2 in 1979. Several of the most impressive sprinters and middle distance runners have won the event more than once although Planet Ruler is the last to win two consecutive races in 1989-90.