3 minute read

The Race History of the 2018 Underwood Stakes run at Caulfield on Sunday shows it as a fork in the road race.

Horses decide to go on WFA or handicap paths after it as Ocean Park did via the former to great success. The 2018 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Sunday will be one to watch.

2018 UNDERWOOD STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Underwood Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for open class horses at Caulfield conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Underwood Stakes is run over 1800m. It was first run in 1924 and was won by Whittier.

In the early days the Underwood Stakes was known as the Williamstown Stakes and run at a few courses including Williamstown. From 1948 it moved to Caulfield.

It has been as short as 1400m and as long as 2000m but has been at the 1800m since 1994.

Previously run on Show Day Holiday which was a Thursday, it is now on feature weekends. Will be a Sunday in 2018 with the way the dates fell.

The Underwood Stakes was a Principal Race until graded at Group 1 in 1979.

Three straight Caulfield Cup winners Elvstroem, Mummify and Northerly came through winning the Underwood.

Three times in the last decade the Caulfield Cup winner ran in the Underwood.

Before Bonneval, the previous mare to win was Tristarc in 1985 (Atlantic Jewel was 4/7 in 2013 and beaten).

The Underwood Stakes is worth $750,000 in 2018.

Notable winners of the Underwood Stakes include Bonneval (2017), Black Heart Bart (2016), It’s A Dundeel (2013), Ocean Park (2012), So You Think (2010), Weekend Hussler (2008), El Segundo (2006), Elvstroem (2004), Mummify (2003), Northerly (2001/2002), Tie The Knot (1998), Octagonal (1996), Jeune (1994), Dr Grace (1991), Almaarad (1989), Rubiton (1987), Bonecrusher (1986), How Now (1976), Sobar (1972), Big Philou (1970), Rain Lover (1969), Tobin Bronze (1966), Aquanita (1961/1962), Lord (1958/1960), Ajax (1938/1939/1940) and Phar Lap (1931).

The 2017 Underwood Stakes was won by Bonneval from Hartnell and Gailo Chop.