Blue Diamond Stakes 2026
The Blue Diamond Stakes is Victoria’s premier two-year-old race, run over 1200 metres at Caulfield. It is a Group 1 contest held under set weights and headlines Blue Diamond Stakes Day during the Melbourne Autumn Carnival.
The 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes will be staged in late February at Caulfield. The exact prizemoney and race date will be confirmed by the Melbourne Racing Club closer to the carnival.
BLUE DIAMOND STAKES
Preview, Trends & Analysis
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne
- Distance: 1200m
- Class: Group 1
- Conditions: Set Weights – 2YOs only
- Sponsor: Ladbrokes (recent years)
- 2026 Date: TBC (expected late February)
- 2026 Purse: TBC (last year approximately $2 million)
- 2025 Winner: Devil Night
About the Race
First run in 1971, the Blue Diamond Stakes has become the richest and most prestigious two-year-old race in Victoria. It serves as a key target for the country’s top juveniles and is often used as a stepping stone towards Sydney’s Golden Slipper.
The race is run over 1200 metres at set weights, ensuring the most talented youngsters face off on even terms. Famous past winners include Manikato, Redoute’s Choice, Sepoy, Alinghi, Lyre, Tagaloa and Extreme Choice.
When is the Next Blue Diamond Stakes?
The 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes will be staged in February at Caulfield, with the exact date to be confirmed by the Melbourne Racing Club in its official program later in 2025.
Betting Guide
Popular bet types
Win, Place, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, First Four, Same Race Multi
Form tips
- The Blue Diamond Prelude & Previews are the key lead-up races.
- Juveniles with proven 1200 m form and experience at Caulfield have a significant advantage.
- Many winners improve rapidly at their second or third start, so look for progression from earlier sprints.
- Barrier draw is often critical – inside gates can provide an early run at Caulfield.
The Blue Diamond Stakes Recent Winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2025 | Devil Night |
| 2024 | Hayasugi |
| 2023 | Little Brose |
| 2022 | Daumier |
| 2021 | Artorius |
| 2020 | Tagaloa |
| 2019 | Lyre |
| 2018 | Written By |
| 2017 | Catchy |
| 2016 | Extreme Choice |
| 2015 | Pride of Dubai |
| 2014 | Earthquake |
| 2013 | Miracles Of Life |
| 2012 | Samaready |
| 2011 | Sepoy |
The Questions
Expected to be run in late February 2026 at Caulfield. Official date TBC.
1200 metres under set weights, for two-year-olds.
Devil Night, narrowly defeating Tentyris and Tycoon Star.
