Caulfield Cup 2022

In a hurry? We’ve listed all the quick facts that you need to know about the Caulfield Cup:

The Caulfield Cup is an event hosted by the Melbourne Racing Club and is a Group One thoroughbred horse race, only for horses three years old and older. The Caulfield Cup is run over 2400m at Caulfield Racecourse, being Australia’s, and arguably the World’s, premier race over this distance. The 2022 Caulfield Cup will be run on Saturday, October 15th.

The Caulfield Cup is held on the third-and-final day of the Melbourne Racing Club’s Caulfield Cup carnival, following the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes and Thousand Guineas, with the total prize money pool for the Caulfield Cup is $5,000,000 replica rolex air king, tied with the Cox Plate for the fourth-richest race in Australia.

The winner is awarded $3,000,000 and also gets ballot-free exemption entry into the Melbourne Cup, creating the illustrious Spring Cups-Double. Many horses run in both races, which are 17 days apart, with the last horse to win the double being Ethereal in 2001.

The 2021 event was won by $2.30 favourite, Incentivise, who finished 3.5L ahead of Nonconformist (2nd) and 5.25L ahead of Persan (3rd).

The Caulfield is one of Australia’s premier horse races and it happens to be a race most Aussies like to have a casual punt on. Our expert tipsters will put together a short list of Caulfield Cup tips to look out for in the leadup to the big race.

Caulfield Cup Tips From Experts

Our tips are now available for the Caulfield Cup in 2022!

Let’s take a look at each and every runner in the 2022 Caulfield Cup:

1. Gold Trip (12) – $13

Had every chance in the Naturalism two back before covering ground and whacking away well last start in the Turnbull. Gets to 2400m now which looks ideal and should get a nice run behind the speed. Looks a top three hope.

2. Duais (9) – $13

Just even last start in the Turnbull but the tempo of the race probably wasn’t suitable. She’s a G1 winner at 2400m and here at Caulfield, and should enjoy a cosy run from the gate. Big query will be how wet the track is come Saturday, as she’s better on top of the ground.

3. Knights Order (18) – $11

Led and held on well last start in the Turnbull to continue his consistent form this prep. Barrier no help but he will be ridden aggressively early to secure the front spot. Likes the wet and is a two time winner at the trip. Has to be considered.

4. Montefilia (16) – $19

Ran well first up in the George Main before an even effort in the Hill Stakes last start, where she was sent out a short priced favourite. Should be ready to peak here third up and raced last start like the 2400m will suit. Will need some luck from the gate but has the class to figure in the finish.

5. Numerian (10) – $12

Come back well this prep with two placings at G2 level. Starting to really find his feet in Australia and gets a good opportunity to win a G1 major here. He handles all conditions, will ride the speed and should be in it for a long way.

6. Nonconformist (15) – $12

Runner up in this race last year who has raced at the top level all prep. Ran an improved race last start behind Anamoe in the Caulfield Stakes and looks to be crying out for 2400m. The gate is no help but he looks ready to do something now and gets an opportunity to go one better this year.

7. Vow And Declare (17) – $26

Rattled home at Flemington two back before a luckless fifth in the Bart Cummings last time out. Looks to be going well enough to run a big race here but comes up with a horror gate and doesn’t have a great record here at Caulfield.

8. No Compromise (13) – $20

Charged home and got the money last start in the Metropolitan over this trip. Although this is tougher, he rarely runs a bad race and should get conditions to suit yet again. Looks an each-way chance at good odds.

9. Alegron (14) – $11

Good win last start in the Kingston Town at Randwick beating Benaud and Knights Order. That form ties in well here and he’s won up to 2800m, suggesting the trip is no worries. Stable is flying and he has to be considered a live hope down in the weights.

10. Benaud (20) – $9.00

Found the line well in first three runs back this prep before a close up sixth in a star-studded Caulfield Stakes last start. Will need some luck from the car park draw but looks ready for the 2400m now and will be hard to beat with no weight on his back.

11. Great House (3) – $23

Flew home first up at Flemington before another solid effort last start in the Turnbull, where the pattern was against. Gets in well at the weights here and is going well enough to be right in the finish.

12. Inspirational Girl (1) – $15

Satisfactory return behind Mr Brightside at Moonee Valley before attacking the line in the Turnbull last start, running good late splits. Should be primed for this third up but the 2400m in trying conditions may test her.

13. Maximal (19) – $26

Good run last start in the Turnbull behind Smokin’ Romans. Key to this bloke is dry ground and he certainly won’t get that here. May be better suited in a Cox Plate?

14. Sound (4) – $126

Well beaten in the Feehan and JRA Cup last two. Will get a soft run from the low draw, stays all day and handles all conditions. Not the worst.

15. Chapada (11) – $61

Ran well in the Naturalism two back before safely held last start in the Turnbull. Doesn’t win out of turn but can bob up in the placings from time to time in these sorts of races.

16. Crystal Pegasus (2) – $71

Hasn’t been sighted in three runs this prep, the latest in the Turnbull. Gets out to 2400m which should suit but not racing well enough to win this.

17. Smokin’ Romans (5) – $4.40F

Proved his Naturalism win was no fluke with a dominant display in the Turnbull last start. Drawn well here with in form jockey, Jamie Kah, on board and has won three times over 2500m, suggesting the trip is no worries. Is a deserved favourite and looks hard to beat on recent form.

18. Tralee Rose (8) – $81

Hasn’t done much in two runs back this prep. Better suited up in trip here and should get a nice run in transit, but has to find some of her old form to be competitive.

19e. Durston (6) – $23

Bolted in both the Wyong and Newcastle Cup before finishing a close up midfield in the Metrop last start. He looked the winner at the furlong there but got bogged down once the rider let his head go. Unfortunately he will have to cop another heavy track here which is a shame because he’s absolutely flying.

20e. Makram (7) – $26

Chased hard last start at this track/trip behind Saracen Knight. Racing in good form and gets in on the minimum here from a good gate. If he can handle the heavy conditions he might run a cheeky race at big odds.

Caulfield Cup Trifecta Tips

A winning Caulfield Cup trifecta can end in a huge pay-out – especially considering the odds of some of the horses above in a win bet! Predicting the first three horses over the line, in exact finishing order, in the world’s richest mile and a half handicap is easier said than done. But this exotic bet, when completed successfully, results in massive dividends, especially if you place a high enough stake.

As an example, let’s look at 2021’s winning Caulfield Cup trifecta, which paid just $337.20, thanks to Incentivise winning at such short odds:

1st – Incentivise

2nd – Nonconformist

3rd – Persan

The Caulfield Cup finishing order is of utmost importance when punting on a winning trifecta. Even if you have selected the correct runner, you won’t receive a pay-out unless you have picked the horses in the correct order, unless you pick a boxed trifecta.

Punters who are selecting a winning Caulfield Cup trifecta are able to receive thousands of dollars profit for every dollar invested in their stake – meaning the Caulfield Cup trifecta is one of the most lucrative around.

Winning a Caulfield Cup trifecta is not simple, to say the least. But there are definitely tips and tricks that you can consider to make punting a little bit easier.

Caulfield Cup Trifecta Tip 1

Don’t blindly trust other punters, always go with your gut when it comes to choosing your favourites. Do your own research and look at stats into runners you think may have a shot at the Caulfield Cup trifecta.

Caulfield Cup Trifecta Tip 2

If you’re a bit unsure where to start with your research, consider checking out a Caulfield Cup form guide – bookies like Sportsbet and Neds have them available year-round.

Caulfield Cup Trifecta Tip 3

Consider placing a box trifecta as opposed to a straight trifecta. A box trifecta is great because it covers you in all combinations of finishing positions, once you’ve chosen three runners. It will cost a bit more money extra to place, but improves your chances of winning a Caulfield Cup trifecta by a great amount.

Where to Place a Caulfield Cup Trifecta?

You’re able to place a Caulfield Cup trifecta through an online bookie – or in store at TAB. Online bookies often offer elite punting services – with plenty of fans placing a box trifecta with the 3 favourites in their bet.

Online bookies are also not subject to business hours or location – which means you’re able to place a Caulfield Cup trifecta from your living room! Online bookies also offer a step-by-step guide into placing a Caulfield Cup trifecta.

There are a lot of important factors to consider before betting on the Caulfield Cup. Make sure you have a read on below before you place your bets:

Should I Bet On The Favourite in the Caulfield Cup?

In 2015 and 2016 back-to-back favourites won the Caulfield Cup, with Mongolian Khan at $5 and Jameka at $4.20. But, it’s always better to look toward a higher paying horse with better value – since 2008, nine winners have won at double-figure odds.

However, Verry Elleegant shared favouritism with Anthony Van Dyck in 2020 at $5.50, with the horses coming 1st and 2nd respectively. Incentivise won as one of the shortest priced favourites to ever win the race, jumping at $2.30 in 2021.

Is Previous Caulfield Cup Form a Good Indicator of Future Caulfield Cup Success?

When looking at Caulfield Cup betting, it is actually better to stay away from previous winners. Since the race was first run in 1879, no horses have won more than twice and there have only been six horses to achieve that mark, with just two of those six winning in back-to-back years.

The most recent two-time winner was Ming Dynasty, who first won in 1977 and then won again in 1980. That is a massive 30 years since a horse that has won the race previously has won it again!

Local vs International Horses

While we like to think that our local horses have the edge, as was the case in 2020 with Verry Elleegant (yes we know she is originally a Kiwi, but we have claimed her), International raiders have won four of the last eight Caulfield Cups. The data is skewed in 2021 as there were no European raiders in the Caulfield Cup due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic as well as the new rules put in place by Racing Victoria. This allowed Incentivise to peg on back for the home-grown horses.

Anthony Van Dyck (IRE) was just 0.2 lengths away from winning in 2020 and could have potentially won if he didn’t draw the carpark (barrier 21 – 17 after emergencies were cut). Mer De Glace (JPN) won in 2019 while Best Solution (IRE) took out the 2018 edition.

This is particularly interesting as internationally-trained horses have begun targeting this race only quite recently. This occurred around 1998, and since then the international imports have generated six winners. While some of the international stayers are of a better quality, their lead into the race is quite disjointed, having to travel and then usually going into the Caulfield Cup first up.

Since internationals began kicking down the door for the Caulfield Cup – there have been 22 races, producing 16 Australian or Kiwi winners. In 2020, only eight of the 18 runners originated in either Australia and New Zealand, highlighting how much of an internationally sought after race the Caulfield Cup is.

Weight

Weight is something to strongly consider when it comes to horse racing. And surprisingly, the ‘toppie’ has done fairly well in this race since 1999, commanding a very distinct respect.

While Incentivise wore the number 2 silks in 2021, he shared top weight with Homesman. Due to new rules brought in regarding the weight scale in 2017, the pair only had to carry 55.5kg in the 2021 Caulfield Cup, despite being the top-weight.

Best Solution won under 57.7kg in 2018, joining other hall of famers in Admire Rakti (58kg), Viewed (57kg), Northerly (58kg) and Sky Heights (56.5) as horses who have saluted as top-weight fancies in their respective years – quite the opposite to the Melbourne Cup.

Anthony Van Dyck, who was a close second in the 2020 Caulfield Cup, was carrying the top weight at 58.5kg – a joint $5.50 favourite with 55kg winner, Verry Elleegant. If Anthony Van Dyck took home the title in 2020, he would have made history as the heaviest ever to claim the Caulfield Cup.

Between the years of 1984 and 2001, only two of the 18 winners were carrying 55kg or more. However, since then ten of the 20 winners of the Caulfield Cup have carried at least 55kg, including eight of the past ten. The below table shows the amount of wins by each weight for the last 12 Caulfield Cups, since 2010:

Age

Age is also another distinctive factor in determining a Caulfield Cup winner, with the four-year-olds actually taking out a resounding amount of wins in comparison to other ages. The Caulfield Cup has been run 144 times, and out of this, a whopping 50 of those winners have been four-year-olds, which accounts for over a third of all winners during this period. Both Mer De Glace (2019) and Best Solution (2018) were 4 at the time of winning.

Five-year-olds come in a close second, with 45 winners over the Caulfield Cup era, but only nine of these have happened in the past 36 years. However, Verry Elleegant and Incentivise both won as five-year-olds over the last two years.

Since 2010, over the last 12 Caulfield Cups, the statistics by age are:

Caulfield Cup Best Bets

Check out our Caulfield Cup best bets for 2022:

Caulfield Cup Best Bet #1: Benaud – $9.00

Going to put ATC Derby runner up, Benaud, on top. He’s found the line well in every run this prep and wasn’t beaten far by Anamoe last Saturday in the Caulfield Stakes. He’s drawn wide but will go back and he’s crying out for 2400m.

Caulfield Cup Best Bet #2: No Compromise – $20

Charged home and got the money last start in the Metropolitan over this trip. Although this is tougher, he rarely runs a bad race and should get conditions to suit yet again. Looks an each-way chance at good odds.

Caulfield Cup Bet Types

Below is a table that outlines the basics on how to bet on the Caulfield Cup:

Long before the Caulfield Cup field is even announced – online bookies will open early markets, or all-in markets, for Caulfield Cup punting. This is prime time to place a punt on your horse, as you’re able to bet on strong contenders for the 2022 Caulfield Cup at double-digit odds.

The 2022 Caulfield Cup odds will obviously fluctuate frequently in the lead up to the race, especially when horses come back to begin Spring and we can get a better idea of how they will be going this preparation. Punting early on these markets can find you a favourite at prices of $20 or more, which will retain you a much higher return on investment. However, there is increased risk with doing this and you should be well aware.

Depending on when you place a futures bet on the 2022 Caulfield Cup, your horse may not even run but you won’t get your money back, occurring when the market is ‘All-In’ or closer to the starting date.

If you are betting when it says ‘Before Noms’, you have the security of receiving your money back if your horse doesn’t nominate, but they could return from a spell in terrible form or with an underlying issue, seeing your bet potentially wasted and their odds balloon out even more.

The 2022 Caulfield Cup odds are out, and Duais remains the favourite, with Montefilia and Nonconformist on the second line of betting. Here are the current odds, courtesy of Neds, as of mid-August:

The Caulfield Cup field consists of 18 horses plus emergencies, selected based on ratings and form, with there being up to 10 races throughout the year that earn horses ballot-free entry exemptions for the race.

When trying to predict who will enter the race, unlike the Cox Plate, it is hard to get a proper grasp on who will enter the Caulfield Cup field in 2022. Given the changes made to rules for international horses entering the Melbourne Cup, we are likely to see less international raiders than in previous years.

The final 2022 Caulfield Cup field will be announced on Tuesday, October 11th, with the barrier draw to be held one day later. Until then we have no confirmation of exactly which horses will take part in the race.

However, the race always attracts the best, mostly on their path to the Melbourne Cup, meaning plenty of Group One winners take part. So while we wait for the 2022 Caulfield Cup field to be announce, check out the field from last year, in 2021:

Caulfield Cup Barrier Draw

Between 1984 and 2008, only eight winners of 25 won from double-digit barriers. Looking at more recent times, however, those numbers have come into fruition with eight of the past 12 winners jumping from barrier 10 or wider.

Looking at more recent history, over the last four years the winners have come from barriers 18, 8, 18 and 15 respectively. While Verry Elleegant, in 2020, is in single figures, it shows that it isn’t beneficial to have a low draw and get boxed in for the run.

Punters often look to the inside gates, but history states this race wasn’t exactly made for the inside position – with barrier one not producing a Caulfield Cup winner since 1941. The most successful barriers are seven and nine, with eight wins apiece.

With the race yet to be run, we still don’t know what the Caulfield Cup results for 2022 will be! However, check back in after the race and we will have all of the information on how the big race went and what the results are.

Looking back at last year, Incentivise proved that he was the best horse in the race, thumping the rest of the field to win his third straight Group One race. Despite racing wide with minimal cover throughout the race, Incentivise found another gear, or two, going round the bend and kicked away down the Caulfield straight.

He finished 3.5L clear of Nonconformist, who was a clear second, with Persan, Montefilia and Great House fighting out who finished 3rd, 4th, an 5th, finishing in the order stated.

You’ve read the words, now watch the video! Have a squiz below at the 2021 Caulfield Cup race:

Have a read below at the full results of the Caulfield Cup in 2021:

Caulfield Cup Winners

The results for the upcoming Caulfield Cup are not yet available, but in the meantime, you can have a look below at all the recent past winners:

With the Caulfield Cup being the main lead-up race to the Melbourne Cup, it attracts the best jockeys from both Australia and the World. COVID-19 obviously impacted international hoops from joining the 2020 and 2021 races but the Australian hoops still came to play and put on a show.

The 2021 Caulfield Cup saw the Melbourne-based Brett Prebble win aboard Verry Elleegant, just in front of Craig Williams, who was onboard Nonconformist. This was Prebble’s first win in the Caulfield Cup.

When looking historically at Caulfield Cup jockeys to win the event, Scobie Breasley stands alone on top of them all with five wins to his name, winning in four consecutive years from 1942-45 and then again in 1952. Current hoop Damien Oliver is next best with four wins in the Caulfield Cup, but hasn’t won since 1999 when aboard Sky Heights.

Here is a look at the winning horses, and jockeys, since 2000:

Given the vast international representation in the race, Caulfield Cup trainers find it hard to win multiple events. 2021 saw Peter Moody continue his rise in the ranks amongst Australia’s best trainers, with Incentivise winning the Caulfield. Cup.

When looking at recent times, Chris Waller, one of the best trainers of the modern era, only won his first Cup in 2020 with Verry Elleegant, proving how hard it is to win.

Trainers play such an important role in the performance of each horse, especially with the Caulfield Cup being the main lead-up race for the Melbourne Cup. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that doesn’t get seen, but is vital to success on race day.

The late, great, Bart Cummings has won the most out of all Caulfield Cup trainers, with seven. Saeed bin Suroor, the leader of the Godolphin training group, is the most recent trainer to win two Caulfield Cups, winning in 2008 before winning again in 2018.

David Hayes also won the Caulfield Cup as a single trainer in 2006 before teaming up to train horses with son Ben Hayes and nephew Tom Dabernig, with the trio winning in 2017. He is a look at the winning horses, and trainers, since 2000: