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Often a turning point race is the Bill Stutt Stakes run at Moonee Valley on Friday.

Helenus was on his way to glory in his 2002 Spring. Will we see another like him in the 2021 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday?

2021 Bill Stutt Stakes: Nominations

2021 BILL STUTT STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Bill Stutt Stakes is a Group 2 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year olds at Moonee Valley conducted by the Moonee Valley Racing Club.

The Bill Stutt Stakes is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1934 and was won by Titanium.

The Bill Stutt Stakes has always been run at Moonee Valley and run on the Grand Final week card, either pre GF or post GF.

It has always been at the mile.

The race is named after a former chairman of the MVRC after being called the Moonee Valley Stakes until 1989.

From 1979 the Bill Stutt Stakes became a Group 2.

Those to do the Bill Stutt/Caulfield Guineas double in last 40 years are Whobegotyou, Helenus, Red Anchor and Surround.

Churchill Downs won a controversial protest in 2006 when Craig Williams objected, alleging the first horse past the post Magic Jet intimidated his horse.

Helm and St Clemens Belle dead heated in 1998. St Clemens Belle was the last filly to win the Stutt Stakes.

The Bill Stutt Stakes was worth $300,000 in 2021.

Notable winners of the Bill Stutt Stakes include Glenfiddich (2020), Hey Doc (2016), Almalad (2014), Pierro (2012), Whobegotyou (2008), Churchill Downs (2006), Helenus (2002), Viscount (2001), Diatribe (1999), Encosta De Lago (1996), Blevic (1994), Ready To Explode (1991), Canny Lad (1990), Zabeel (1989), Sky Chase (1987), Red Anchor (1984), Surround (1976), Denise's Joy (1975), Taj Rossi (1973), Century (1972), Daryl's Joy (1969), Storm Queen (1966) and Skipton (1941).

The 2020 Bill Stutt Stakes was won by Glenfiddich from Cherry Tortoni and Holyfield.