As a handicap race, it has produced both legendary champions and stunning upsets, such as Roch ‘N’ Horse’s 100/1 triumph in 2022.

Among its most celebrated winners are the unbeaten Black Caviar and the fan-favourite Takeover Target, while past greats like Century, Baguette, and the legendary Bernborough have cemented its place as one of Australia’s most thrilling sprint races.

Attracting the quickest horses around, look out for last year’s contenders, and any horses who have been showing great speed and form.

Who will add their name to the legendary honour roll?

JOLIESTAR

Capable Sydney mare who is in the all powerful Chris Waller stable. She rarely runs a bad race and she was beaten 0.58 lengths by the brilliant Magic Time at her last start. She’s a Group 1 winner who has been set for this.

GROWING EMPIRE

A brilliant three-year-old colt whose connections are eager to secure a Group 1 victory—an achievement well within his reach. He was narrowly edged out by Southport Tycoon in the G1 Manikato Stakes and followed up with strong third-place finishes in both The Everest and the Coolmore Stud Stakes (dead heat).  Trainer Ciaron Maher said to forgive his first-up seventh in the Black Caviar Lightning as he had to face the wind throughout the race. Three-year-olds have a great record in the Newmarket. He’s won both of his second-up runs.

REY MAGNERIO

5YO Brown Gelding Magnus – Luchardo (Testa Rossa) Trainer: Robbie Griffiths   Jockey: Jye McNeil 56kg Career: 19 starts: 8-4-4  Prizemoney: $896,600 Flemington form: 5 starts: 2-2-1 – Won 2024 Listed Cirka Always Welcome Stakes (1200m)

Robbie Griffiths knows what it takes to win a Newmarket Handicap, having claimed victory with The Quarterback as a five-year-old gelding in 2018. Now, he's aiming to replicate that success with this sprinter, who continues to improve with every start and thrives down the straight. Consistently competitive, he never runs a bad race and is shaping up as a major threat. Flew home for third in the Oakleigh Plate behind Jimmysstar.

STRETAN ANGEL

4YO Bay Mare Harry Angel (IRE) – Sretan (Bernadini (USA)) Trainer: Phillip Stokes  Jockey: Lachlan Neindorf 55.5kg Career: 14 starts: 2-5-1 Prizemoney: $922,620 Flemington form: 8 starts: 1-2-1 – 2nd 2025 G1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m)

A straight track specialist, Stretan Angel has proven she can compete at Group 1 level, as shown by her solid performances in her last two starts. She finished 4th in the VRC Sprint Championship behind Sunshine In Paris and resumed with a strong second in the Black Caviar Lightning, where she led briefly before being overtaken by Skybird.

BENEDETTA

5YO Bay or Brown Mare Hellbent – Whatalovelyday (Domesday) Trainer: Jason Warren   Jockey: Ben Melham 57kg Career: 17 starts: 8-0-5   Prizemoney: $1,868,015 Flemington form: 6 starts: 2-0-3 – 3rd 2025 G1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m)

A talented sprinter, Benedetta impressed with a strong third-place finish behind Skybird in the Black Caviar Lightning, positioning her as one of the top contenders for the Yulong Newmarket Handicap. She captured her Group 1 victory over 1200m in the Goodwood. She is the top-weight.

ARKANSAW KID

The Hayes brothers have targeted this race as Arkansaw Kid boasts great straight track form through the right horses. Last spring he defeated Skybird in the Bobbie Lewis Stakes and then he finished second to Right To Party in the Gilgai Stakes which is ideal form to take into a Newmarket.