Bluebloods, boom youngsters and fairytales are among G1 Caulfield Guineas and G1 Thousand Guineas nominations with 119 colts and geldings, plus 106 fillies vying for victory in these iconic spring three year-old features.
- Racing royalty: Black Caviar’s close relation Nepotism headlines Caulfield Guineas nominations for Team Hawkes.
- Moody & Coleman strike: Atlantic Jewel Stakes winner Alpha Sofie and unbeaten Vivid Sun spearhead a powerful Thousand Guineas assault.
- Sydney stars: Furious Stakes winner Apocalyptic and Group 1-placed Within The Law add depth to the Thousand Guineas.
- National flavour: Contenders from New Zealand, Tasmania, South Australia and regional stables boost the Guineas storylines with genuine fairytale hopes.
The 2025 Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas and Schweppes Thousand Guineas are highly anticipated, with nominations unveiled by the MRC.
In the Caulfield Guineas, the early spotlight falls on Nepotism– impressive winner of the G1 Champagne Stakes who resumes on Saturday at Rosehill. Trained by Team Hawkes, Nepotism follows the Golden Rose–Guineas path taken by the stable’s previous winner Ole Kirk, both close relations of Black Caviar. Well-bred stablemate Federalist, by I Am Invincible out of superstar mare Arcadia Queen, also adds plenty of intrigue.
Chris Waller is well placed to add to his Caulfield Guineas record with leading chances Autumn Boy, a son of The Autumn Sun on the same Queensland winter path as his sire, and Wodeton.
New Zealand trainer Stephen Marsh from Cambridge has two nominations, led by blood of turf greats, maiden Moretothinkabout, sired by So You Think out of More Joyous, both who have experienced Group 1 success on Guineas Day at Caulfield.
Closer to home, Matt Laurie’s Vinrock – already a dual Group winner – looks one of the standout Victorian hopes, while Rory Hunter’s Autumn Mystery and Nick Ryan’s Miewa could provide a fairytale result.
Other notable nominations include the Kris Lees-trained Rivellino, State Visit for Ciaron Maher and Regal Award for Phillip Stokes.
The fillies’ picture is equally compelling, with a strong line-up targeting the Thousand Guineas through traditional lead-ups including next Saturday’s Jim Moloney Stakes at Caulfield, the Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick, and the Thousand Guineas Prelude at Sandown.
Sydney have a strong representation with the MyRacehorse owned Apocalyptic early favourite after her G2 Furious Stakes triumph, while Within The Law (Bjorn Baker/Darby Racing) brings proven Group 1 form over the mile.
Locally, Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman saddle a powerful team headed by Atlantic Jewel Stakes winner Alpha Sofie, whose pedigree traces to champion filly Victory Vein, alongside unbeaten stablemate Vivid Sun. Across the Tasman, Mark Walker’s La Dorada?adds Group 1-winning credentials from New Zealand.
Mornington trainers will also play their part with John McArdle’s Yum , Jason Warren’s Palm Angel, and Matt Laurie’s Prestige Snitzel – the Mornington Sires winner for now-retired trainer David Brideoake, who stays in the family with Brideoake’s son-in-law Laurie and could take the next step this spring as a Thousand Guineas contender.
Interstate challengers include Nick Olive’s Spicy Lu (Queanbeyan), Stuart Gandy’s Zany Girl (Tasmania), and Andrew Gluyas’ Freedom Flame (South Australia), a half-sister to Dalasan.
With pedigrees steeped in Group 1 success, powerhouse stables circling and emerging fairytale contenders, both the Caulfield Guineas and Thousand Guineas are set to be unmissable features of Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival.
To view the Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas nominations visit HERE.
To view the Schweppes Thousand Guineas nominations visit HERE.
