An exciting field is beginning to take shape for Caulfield’s biggest day, with nominations now closed for the 149th edition of the $5 million Sportsbet Caulfield Cup. The countdown is officially on for 146 hopefuls and their connections chasing Cup glory.
It’s shaping up to be a showdown of homegrown heroes, with Mornington-trained Matt Laurie’s one nomination - Treasurethe Moment leading the Yulong charge of 12. The four-year-old mare heads into spring unbeaten in her last eight starts, with Group 1 wins in the VRC Oaks, ATC Oaks and Vinery Stud Stakes.
Reigning Victorian Metropolitan Trainers’ Premiership winner Ciaron Maher has nominated defending Caulfield Cup champion Duke De Sessa, alongside a strong team of 25 other stayers, including Circle of Fire, Middle Earth, Light Infantry Man, Okita Soushi, and the newly acquired Godolphin galloper Zardozi.
Duke De Sessa?finds himself in familiar company, with five runners from last year’s Caulfield Cup holding entries for the 2025 edition, including last year’s first four.
Maher’s main competition comes from fellow training powerhouse Chris Waller, who tops all nominators with 31 entries. The previous dual Caulfield Cup winning trainer has a formidable squad that includes ATC Derby winner Aeliana, Buckaroo, Lindermann, Land Legend, and Kovalica?-?the latter booking his place in the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup with a victory in the Q22.
John Symons and Sheila Laxon look to repeat their 2024 Carnival success with three nominations, led by Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice who saluted ‘the race that stops the nation’ as an 81-1 chance.
The First Lady of Racing, Gai Waterhouse, in partnership with Adrian Bott, have six strong chances including current Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius who is supported by Alalcance and Vauban.
Meanwhile, Ben, Will and JD Hayes?have six nominations in the mix, headlined by Bankers Choice, winner of the Sportsbet Mornington Cup and guaranteed a start should the team choose to take it.
A strong international contingent of 12 includes Japan’s Katsunori Tanaka, who has confirmed that Manyo Stakes winner Golden Snap will take on the Caulfield Cup challenge. Takahisa Tezuka and Noriyuki Hori have also nominated Meiner Chysola, and 4-year-old mare, Struve, respectively.
The Irish master trainer Aidan O’Brien’s hopes reside in Mount Kilimanjaro, winner of the Listed Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes, as son Joseph O’Brien tops him with four nominations in Al Riffa, Galen, Sons And Lovers and Trustyourinstinct.
Former Irish jockey turned champion trainer, Willie Mullins, throws his hat into the ring with two nominators, Melbourne Cup runner Absurde and stablemate Hipop de Loire, while Simon & Ed Crisford put forward Meydaan.
Frenchman Alessandro Botti adds to the European talent with the nomination of Prix De Barbeville (Group 3) winner Presage Nocturne, a son of globe-trotting super sire Wootton Bassett .
Other notable entries include:
- Deakin – Phillip Stokes
- Half Yours – Tony & Calvin McEvoy
- Lady in Pink – Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin
- Kingswood – Gavin Bedggood
- Mark Twain – Roger James & Robert Wellwood
“What a fantastic number of nominations we’ve seen for the 2025 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup showcasing an impressive amount of Aussie talent, in addition to some strong international contenders,” said Josh Rodder, MRC Racing & Media Executive.
“As we approach the pinnacle of our racing calendar, the closing of nominations kicks off the beginning of an exciting lead-up to spring, and one of racing’s most iconic events where 18 of the sports’ finest will have the chance to make their mark in the history books.”
Weights for the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup will be declared no later than Tuesday 16 September.??
First acceptances close on Tuesday 9 September.?
Late entries close at 12 noon (AEST) on Tuesday 12 August.?
The 2025 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival spans across three exhilarating race days:?
- Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas – Saturday 11 October?
- Schweppes Caulfield Social – Wednesday 15 October?
- Sportsbet Caulfield Cup – Saturday 18 October?
To view the full list of nominations for the $5 million Sportsbet Caulfield Cup, please click HERE.???
