• Home
  • Feature Races
  • Futurity Stakes 
timer

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Futurity Stakes Tips - Treasurethe Moment primed for Group 1 return

adam-cusworth
Editor
Last updated: 18 Feb 2026
Adam Cusworth 18 Feb 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • 2026 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield features nine high-caliber horses.
  • Treasurethe Moment expected to be strong, having shown exceptional past performances.
  • Feroce offers value with fitness and prior track success filtering into his favor.
Expired
Treasurethe Moment Memsie
Treasurethe Moment took out the Memsie Stakes when first up last spring (Getty Images)

2026 Futurity Stakes Preview


The $750,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) shapes as a fascinating weight-for-age contest at Caulfield, with six of the nine runners resuming and the race traditionally serving as a key autumn launching pad.

First run in 1898, the Futurity has been won by champions such as Phar Lap, Ajax, Manikato, Schillaci and more recently Mr Brightside, who completed the Orr/Futurity double in 2024. 

The race often sets horses on a path towards feature races like the Australian Cup or Sydney riches, and this year’s edition again brings together elite middle-distance talent.

Treasurethe Moment returns to the scene of her breathtaking Memsie Stakes victory last spring when she defeated Mr Brightside and Buckaroo by just under 14 lengths faster than standard benchmark. She subsequently placed in four more Group 1 races, including a gallant Cox Plate third, and reports from the Matt Laurie camp suggest she is “very much on the ball” following a sharp trial and strong 1000m gallop during the week. Despite being an Oaks winner, her most explosive figures have come between 1400m and 1600m, which makes this trip ideal fresh.

Pericles is another high-class performer first up. He won the Tramway Stakes last spring running eight lengths faster than standard benchmark and produced a huge closing effort in the Champions Mile at Flemington, rating 17 lengths faster than standard on heavy ground. Buckaroo resumes after finishing third in the Memsie and later placing in the Underwood, Might And Power and Cox Plate. While yet to win below 1600m, he has repeatedly run well at Caulfield and maps to get every chance from barrier five.

Evaporate and Leica Lucy add intrigue. Leica Lucy was ultra-consistent through the spring with excellent figures across all three runs and has trialled strongly behind Ceolwulf. She profiles as the wildcard. Watch Me Rock, the WA excitement machine, resumes with a big reputation but faces a different challenge at WFA level off a three-month break.

Of the fitter brigade, Feroce stands out. He just missed behind Tom Kitten at this track and trip first up last campaign, running 10.6 lengths faster than standard benchmark, and improved five lengths second up when third in the Toorak Handicap (1600m). Veight and Vivy Air bring race fitness, but Feroce looks the one with the strongest upside at the distance.

This is a high-quality renewal where class, map and first-up sharpness will be decisive.

2026 Futurity Stakes Speed Map


There is no obvious tearaway leader, which adds tactical intrigue. Treasurethe Moment (6) may be forced to roll forward or at least settle outside the speed if nothing else presses on. Buckaroo (5) and Pericles (4) draw to hold prominent stalking positions without covering extra ground.

Feroce (2) maps ideally just behind the leaders, saving ground and poised to peel out at the 400m. Vivy Air (3) should settle midfield, while Evaporate (7) and Veight (8) may be three-wide with cover or drift back depending on tempo. Leica Lucy (9) from the outside gate likely eases and looks to blend in late.

With limited natural speed, expect a genuine but not brutal tempo, placing emphasis on tactical speed and a sharp final 400m.

2026 Futurity Stakes Best Bet


Treasurethe Moment

Her Memsie figure of just under 14 lengths faster than standard benchmark remains the standout performance in this field. She beat elite company that day and was still competitive deep into the spring, including a Cox Plate placing. From barrier six she can land on speed in a race lacking a designated leader, and if she controls the tempo she will prove very hard to run down. Her work and trials suggest she has returned at least as well as last campaign, and 1400m first up looks her sweet spot.

2026 Futurity Stakes Value Bet


Feroce

He has the fitness edge over most of his key rivals and his 10.6 lengths faster than standard benchmark performance at this track and trip last campaign reads strongly in this context. With an economical run from barrier two and natural improvement second-up last prep when third in the Toorak, he profiles to get the perfect smother. If the favourites are even slightly vulnerable fresh, he is the one most likely to capitalise.

Verdict

Futurity Stakes Racing Tips
Best Bet1: Treasurethe Moment Win @125.00 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Feroce Each-Way @1000.0 at picklebet - 1 Unit
Treasurethe Moment
Win
@125.00 - 1 Unit
Download the dabble app
with referral code BLACKBOOK

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BLACKBOOK to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble
Feroce
Each-Way
@1000.0 - 1 Unit
Double Winnings & Bonus Back up to $250
Use affiliate code BLACKBOOK

Exciting new betting app now live with double winnings and Bonus back offers for horse racing punters. Use code BLACKBOOK on sign-up. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. Imagine what you could be buying instead.

Bet at picklebet

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events