Toorak Handicap

Toorak Handicap

Group One Betting Guide
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Location: Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria
Prize Money: $1,000,000
Distance: 1600m

The Group 1 Toorak Handicap is held every October at Caulfield and is worth $1,000,000. The 1600m handicap is regarded as one of the best mile races in Australia and if punters are looking for value this race is for them.

Unlike many other Melbourne spring carnival races the Toorak suits horses paying a good price. This pleases punters, especially those wanting to make some money before the Melbourne Cup a few weeks later.

More Joyous has been the most impressive winner of the Toorak Handicap when it won carrying 58kg in 2010. That was one occasion where punters found a favourite ($2.20), but there has generally been good value on offer with the bookmakers.


2024 Toorak Handicap betting odds

Odds for the 2024 Toorak Handicap are currently unavailable.


Best Toorak Handicap bookmakers

The Toorak Handicap isn’t a race that’s on the tip of every punters’ tongue, but the bookies offer great value which has been snapped up over the last few years.

Markets will open 1-2 months in advance of the race with most bookmakers waiting for final nominations to come in. Some of the top online bookmakers will open up all-in markets which don’t provide insurance if your selected runner doesn’t start in the race, but the odds are more appealing.


Latest Toorak Handicap News

Attrition readies for autumn carnival with quiet Geelong trial
Mitchell Freedman, trainer of Attrition, the recent winner of the Toorak Handicap, is gearing up the four-year-old entire for more ...
Crystal Mile attracts quality field of six runners
A field of six runners will line up in Saturday's Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) on Saturday afternoon, headlined by ...
Follow Files blackbook tips
In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses from Caulfield on Saturday afternoon that are worth keeping an ...
Attrition edges out Antino in close Toorak Handicap finish
Mitchell Freedman and Beau Mertens have combined with Attrition to take out the Group 1 Toorak Handicap on Caulfield Guineas ...
Caulfield full racing tips & quaddie | Caulfield Guineas Day 2023
A stacked 10-race card awaits punters at Caulfield on Saturday for Caulfield Guineas Day. Check out HorseBetting's race-by-race preview and ...
Amelia's Jewel set to jump a hot favourite in Toorak Handicap
The Group 1 Toorak Handicap has attracted 17 acceptances at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with Amelia's Jewel set to jump ...

Toorak Handicap betting guide

In the last 11 years, only five favourites have won which includes More Joyous, Trust In A Gust, Solzhenitsyn, Red Dazzler and I’m Thunderstruck, but the race is set for a good-value runner.

Because the race is early October, many of the spring carnival fancies are just starting to warm up and this is where punters can strike. There have been 14 winners at double-figure odds in the last 35 years and the average price is an incredible $24.57.

The value is also with the New Zealand and former New Zealand runners. There has been three individual winners come out of New Zealand with four wins among them – Solzhenitsyn winning back-to-back in 2012/2013. Alamosa won in 2008 paying $9 and the Stephen McKee-trained King Mufhasa won in 2011 paying the same price.

Allez Wonder caused one of the biggest upsets in recent history, winning at odds of $40 in 2009. It defeated a field that included Raheeb, Black Piranha, All American and King Mufhasa.

Victorian form is the way to go when betting the Toorak Handicap. Only four winners had their most recent run in Sydney, so stick with the runners which have had plenty of experience at the difficult Caulfield track.

The best jockey to back is Glen Boss who has ridden three winners from 13 starts. Only Jimmy Cassidy has better stats, but with his retirement comes the end of a good punting opportunity.

Darren Weir was a trainer to follow prior to his suspension, especially given his form over the last few years. Weir has had four runners for two wins and one placing, winning with Trust In A Gust and Lucky Hussler in consecutive years.


2024 Toorak Handicap Final Field

HorseBetting will update this page when the 2024 Toorak Handicap final field is released.


Previous Toorak Handicap Fields

Plenty of Group 1 superstars have won the Toorak Handicap. Check the previous fields of the Toorak here.

  • No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight
    1 Silks My Oberon Annabel Neasham Mark Zahra 15 57kg
    2 Silks The Inevitable John Keys David Pires 8 56.5kg
    3 Silks Amelia’s Jewel Simon Miller Damian Lane 12 56kg
    4 Silks Pinstriped Enver Jusufovic Ben Allen 11 56kg
    5 Silks Pounding Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 9 55kg
    6 Silks Antino Tony Gollan Blake Shinn 17 54.5kg
    7 Silks Attrition Mitchell Freedman Beau Mertens 10 54kg
    8 Silks Bankers Choice Mike Moroney Patrick Moloney 16 53.5kg
    9 Silks Corner Pocket Lindsey Smith Craig Newitt 4 53.5kg
    10 Silks Pride Of Jenni Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Declan Bates 5 52kg
    11 Silks Ironclad Will Clarken & Nikki O’Shea Linda Meech 1 52kg
    12 Silks Savannah Cloud Phillip Stokes Daniel Moor 14 52kg
    13 Silks See You In Heaven Richard & Chantelle Jolly Michael Dee 13 52kg
    14 Silks Here To Shock Ben, Will & JD Hayes Dean Yendall 3 52kg
    15 Silks Amenable Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Wiremu Pinn 6 52kg
    16 Silks Charterhouse Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jye McNeil 2 52kg
    17 Silks Beltoro Robert Hickmott Teo Nugent 7 52kg
  • No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight
    1 Callsign Mav Danny O’Brien Jamie Mott 11 58kg
    2 Converge Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 10 56.5kg
    3 Dalasan Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas Jason Holder 12 56kg
    4 Laws Of Indices Annabel Neasham James McDonald 15 56kg
    5 I Wish I Win Peter Moody Luke Nolen 13 54.5kg
    6 Hilal Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Craig Williams 2 54kg
    7 Buffalo River Michael Moroney Daniel Stackhouse 7 53.5kg
    8 Tuvalu Lindsey Smith Jarrod Fry 1 53.5kg
    9 Gentleman Roy Ben & JD Hayes Jye McNeil 4 53kg
    10 Bankers Choice Mike Moroney Craig Newitt 16 52.5kg
    11 Military Expert Annabel Neasham Jamie Kah 9 52kg
    12 Noname Lane Will Clarken Linda Meech 3 52kg
    13 Pinstriped Enver Jusufovic Michael Dee 14 52kg
    14 Character James Cummings Dean Yendall 8 52kg
    15 Uncle Bryn Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 5 52kg
    16 Winning Partner Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damien Thornton 6 52kg
  • No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight
    1 Tofane Michael Moroney Craig Williams 3 58kg
    2 Superstorm Danny O’Brien Damien Oliver 10 56.5kg
    3 Sierra Sue Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 11 56kg
    4 Elephant Emma-Lee & David Browne Damian Lane 5 55.5kg
    5 Lunar Fox Paul Preusker Brett Prebble 13 54kg
    6 Dice Roll Nick Ryan Fred Kersley 1 53.5kg
    7 Harbour Views Matthew Williams Michael Dee 14 53kg
    8 Quantum Mechanic Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr Craig Newitt 6 52.5kg
    9 Aysar Ben & JD Hayes Harry Coffey 7 52kg
    10 Irish Flame Brett Scott Matthew Cartwright 12 52kg
    11 I’m Thunderstruck Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr Jye McNeil 4 52kg
    12 So You Assume Shane Nichols Dean Yendall 9 52kg
    13 Second Slip Will Clarken Linda Meech 2 52kg
    14 Embolism Danny O’Brien Damien Thornton 8 52kg
  • No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight
    1 Mr Quickie Phillip Stokes Jamie Kah 2 59kg
    2 Cascadian James Cummings Damien Oliver 6 58.5kg
    3 So Si Bon Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes Luke Nolen 12 58kg
    4 I Am Superman Peter & Paul Snowden Mark Zahra 7 57.5kg
    5 Superstorm Grant & Alana Williams William Pike 13 57.5kg
    6 Chief Ironside Kris Lees Hugh Bowman 3 57kg
    7 Mandela Effect Scott Brunton Craig Newitt 8 56.5kg
    8 Reykjavik Lindsey Smith Dean Yendall 14 56.5kg
    9 Achernar Star Lindsey Smith Jamie Mott 1 56kg
    10 Sikandarabad Sam Kavanagh Jye McNeil 10 56kg
    11 Sircconi Nick Ryan Daniel Stackhouse 11 56kg
    12 Age Of Chivalry Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra Damian Lane 15 55.5kg
    13 Junipal Ciaron Maher & David Eustace John Allen 9 55.5kg
    14 Harlech Michael Moroney Michael Dee 4 54.5kg
    15 Buffalo River Michael Moroney Craig Williams 5 53kg

2023 Toorak Handicap result


1stAttrition (+2500)
2ndAntino (-125)
3rdBankers Choice (+2800)

Toorak Handicap – Recent runnings

  • The 2023 Toorak Handicap has provided Mitchell Freedman and Beau Mertens their maiden Group 1 success, with Attrition ($31.00) just edging out Antino ($5.00) in a photo finish in the 1600m contest. After going so close in his last Group 1 efforts, Mitchell Freedman finally got that Group 1 success that he has been working so hard for throughout his career, while Beau Mertens added his first Group 1 winning ride to his five Group level victories throughout his career. As expected, Pride Of Jenni ($15.00) went to the front and ran the race at a good tempo before pushing the button and setting the race alight at the 500m mark, which saw a number of jockeys go for their mounts earlier than they would have wanted to. Amenable ($19.00) took over with 300m to go, but Attrition and Antino were finishing stronger down the outside, and they claimed him with 200m to go and fought out the finish. A glaring absentee from the contending runners was the race favourite Amelia’s Jewel ($2.30), who looked to be coasting behind the eventual winner, but she lacked that explosive turn of foot and ended up finishing an underwhelming ninth — beaten 5.5 lengths.
  • Tuvalu took off at the top of the straight to take hold of the Toorak Handicap, running away from Laws Of Indices and Military Expert casuing somewhat of a minor upset in the Group 1. The Toorak Handicap win gave Jarrod Fry his first Group 1 in his lengthy career aboard Tuvalu, who he has ridden at the gelding at the majority of his Victorian runs.
  • I’m Thunderstruck announced himself as a genuine Group 1 horse in the 2021 Toorak Handicap, winning the 1600m event at Caulfield by three quarters of a length and claiming his first Group One race. All eyes were on four-year-old gelding as he went into the race the favourite, things didn’t start as planned stuck between the the pack and off the rail, however between the class of Jye McNeil and brute strength of the gelding they managed to break through the wall and beat multi group one winner Tofane by .75 of a length.
  • Despite needing to lug 59kg under handicap conditions, the Phillip Stokes-trained Mr Quickie proved to classy for his rivals in the 2020 Toorak. It looked like Mr Quickie may not get any luck with 800m to go, travelling beautifully but caught four pairs back on the fence. However, a patient ride from the ever reliable Jamie Kah saw the gaps open up approaching the home turn and the rest they say was history. The six-year-old pounced on the leader Buffalo River inside the final furlong and was strong through the line putting two-lengths on his closest rival.
  • Despite drawing barrier 15 in a field of 18 and being Three Wide the trip, it was no issue as Fierce Impact wins the G1 Toorak Handicap in soft fashion. Craig Williams was able to get the stallion in the moving line early, and when asked for an effort at the 600 metre mark he was able to put away the big field with ease when claiming the lead at 150 metre mark and left the remainder of the field flat footed, and in the process handing Williams his second Toorak Handicap.
  • Land Of Plenty was one of the favoured runners coming into the 2018 Toorak Handicap and backers were not let down. Settling towards the back of the field after a hot tempo up front, Land Of Plenty was able to snag three-wide cover heading into the second half of the race which proved decisive. The Weir runner ambled up alongside the front runners and shot straight past them at the 200m, with Humidor staying on well to finish in second.
  • Tosen Stardom paid a great price for punters in 2017, winning at odds of $10.50. The Darren Weir-trained import was coming off a frustrating autumn campaign, but it had the class edge over a field which lacked strong group one winning form. Outsiders finished in the placings which further added to the depth worries about the race, but the result landed a massive $344,422 first four result with Mark Of Time running fourth. Read race report.
  • He’s Our Rokki made it five consecutive wins in Melbourne when winning the Toorak Handicap. Favourite punters scored another big win on the day and it continued the roll of trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig who trained four winners on the big day.
  • Lucky Hussler gave trainer Darren Weir his second consecutive win in 2015. The then six-year-old was well liked in the market after a string of consistent performances and it established its class over the final 100m. The beaten brigade haven’t gone on to become major winners of note, but Disposition, Stratum Star and Strawberry Boy were all worthy rivals. The win also gave Glen Boss his third win in the race.
  • The son of Keep The Faith Trust In A Gust battled well in the straight to hold off the fast-finished Speediness. The win was Darren Weir’s first Toorak Handicap winner and one of his career highlights at the time. The 2014 field has subsequently been one of the weakest in history. Many of the beaten runners have performed well since, but only at handicap level. Solicit is the exception with numerous black type victories – it finished well down the track in eighth, but was found to be lame.

Toorak Handicap past winners list

Toorak Handicap Past Winners
Year Horse Jockey Trainer
2023 Attrition Beau Mertens Mitchell Freedman
2022 Tuvalu Jarrod Fry Lindsey Smith
2021 I’m Thunderstruck Jye McNeil Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
2020 Mr Quickie Jamie Kah Phillip Stokes
2019 Fierce Impact Craig Williams Matthew Smith
2018 Land Of Plenty Damian Lane Darren Weir
2017 Tosen Stardom Damian Lane Darren Weir
2016 He’s Our Rokkii Dwayne Dunn David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig
2015 Lucky Hussler Glen Boss Darren Weir
2014 Trust In A Gust Brad Rawiller Darren Weir
2013 Solzhenitsyn Nash Rawiller Robert Heathcote
2012 Solzhenitsyn Corey Brown Robert Heathcote
2011 Mufhasa Michael Rodd Stephen McKee
2010 More Joyous Nash Rawiller Gai Waterhouse
2009 Allez Wonder Michelle Payne Bart Cummings
2008 Alamosa Craig Newitt Mick Price
2007 Divine Madonna Michael Rodd Mark Kavanagh
2006 Red Dazzler Jim Cassidy Mick Price
2005 Barely A Moment Craig Williams David Hayes
2004 Regal Roller Mark Flaherty Clinton McDonald
2003 Roman Arch Luke Currie Mick Whittle
2002 Shot Of Thunder Glen Boss John O’Shea
2001 Show A Heart Glen Boss Barry Miller
2000 Umrum Jim Cassidy Leon Macdonald

Toorak Handicap Past Winners Pre 2000

Toorak Handicap Past Winners Pre 2000
Year Horse
1999 Umrum
1998 Marble Halls
1997 Penghulu
1996 Poetic King
1995 Sober Suit
1994 Oppressor
1993 Golden Sword
1992 Ready To Explode
1991 Comrade
1990 Ricochet Rosie
1989 Cole Diesel
1988 Planet Ruler
1987 Caledonian Boy
1986 Canny Lass
1985 King Phoenix
1984 Mr. Ironclad
1983 Showmeran
1982 Magari
1981 Penny Edition
1980 Torbek
1979 Manaroa
1978 Salamander
1977 Nunkalowe
1976 Visit
1975 Plush
1974 Leilani
1973 Princess Eulogy
1972 All Shot
1971 Gunsynd
1970 Tauto
1969 Crewman
1968 Tried And True
1967 Tobin Bronze
1966 Galilee
1965 Ripa
1964 Nicopolis
1963 Nicopolis
1962 Gay Filou
1961 Anonyme
1960 Gabonia
1959 Smokey Jane
1958 Tudor Hill
1957 Mac’s Amber
1956 Farquhar
1955 Harmonist
1954 Plato
1953 Desert Breeze
1952 Desert Breeze
1951 Jovial Lad
1950 Grey Boots
1949 Saxony
1948 Saxony
1947 Don Pedro
1946 Royal Gem
1945 Huntingdale
1944 The Bohemian
1943 Burberry / Counsel
1942 Crojick
1941 Sun Valley
1940 Gold Salute
1939 Hilton
1938 El Golea / Ena
1937 The Trump
1936 The Chanter
1935 Epigram / Journal
1934 Sir Simper
1933 Chilperic
1932 K. Cid
1931 Glenanton
1930 The Gay Mutineer
1929 Highland
1928 Kalloni
1927 Textile
1926 Abdera
1925 Metellus
1924 Soorak
1923 Sonora
1922 The Tyrant
1921 Stare
1920 Lord Setay
1919 St. Mira
1918 Prince Royal
1917 King’s Bounty
1916 Rael Locin
1915 Miss Meadows
1914 Rathlea
1913 Valido
1912 Uncle Sam
1911 Motoa
1910 Sequarious
1909 Irishman
1908 Soultline
1907 True Scot
1906 Iolaire
1905 Dandalla
1904 Ossian
1903 F.J.A.
1902 Kinglock
1901 Bonnie Chiel
1900 Lochaber
1899 Alva
1898 Massinissa
1897 Paul Pry
1896 Hopscotch
1895 Mostyn
1894 Devon
1893 Titan
1892 Fortunatus
1891 Zalinski
1890 Precedence
1889 Maelstrom
1888 Bothwell
1887 Dufferin
1886 Middlemarch
1885 Mentmore
1884 Precious Stone
1883 Bar One
1882 Verdure
1881 Josephine
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