3 minute read

Being a Caulfield Cup qualifier, the 2018 Naturalism Stakes run at Caulfield on Saturday is always hotly contested and sought.

Jameka did the double two years ago. The 2018 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday looks to be very strong.

2018 NATURALISM STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Naturalism Stakes is a Group 3 race run under Quality Handicap conditions for open class horses at Caulfield conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Naturalism Stakes is run over 2000m. It was first run in 1983 and was won by Mevron Boy.

The Naturalism Stakes has always been run at Caulfield.

Until 1994 it was run over 1800m but the Naturalism Stakes has been over 2000m since.

The race is named after the elite stayer trained by Lee Freedman who won an AJC Derby and Caulfield Stakes.

The Naturalism Stakes was upgraded to Group 3 in 2009.

The winner is exempt from the ballot for the Caulfield Cup.

Last year’s winner Harlem would go on to win the Australian Cup the following Autumn.

Jameka won the Caulfield Cup two runs later than winning here. She is the only horse to do the double.

The Naturalism Stakes is worth $150,000 in 2018.

Notable winners of the Naturalism Stakes include Harlem (2017), Jameka (2016), December Draw (2011), Douro Valley (2007), Zipping (2006), Sarrera (2005), Pentastic (2002), Inaflury (2001), Second Coming (1999), Skybeau (1997), Just A Dancer (1990), Sea Legend (1986) and Mapperley Heights (1984).

The 2017 Naturalism Stakes was won by Harlem from Samovare and Stampede.