We will have final-field tips for the Telegraph Handicap when it is released three days prior to the running, however, punters can bet into the market around four months before the Telegraph Handicap is run. 

Bookmakers offer a comprehensive Telegraph Handicap market with all the major runners covered.

The Telegraph Handicap has a long history in New Zealand of being a premier sprinting race. Held at the bottom of the North Island in Wellington, the Telegraph is a targeted race for most trainers. 

It used to be run for $1 million, but a significant stake decrease in New Zealand sees its current stake worth $250,000. 

First run in 1891, it’s one of New Zealand’s oldest sprinting races and along with the Railway Stakes NZ, it is one of two Group 1 1200m features. 

Some of New Zealand’s best thoroughbreds have won the Telegraph Handicap. The past winners’ list includes names such as Mufhasa, Seachange, Darci Brahma, O’Reilly and Mr Tiz. 

To win the Telegraph Handicap is a big achievement for any sprinting thoroughbred and given the good conditions of the Trentham track, it’s typically a fair race. 

The field for the Telegraph Handicap won’t be confirmed until early January when NZTR releases the final field, barrier draw and weights. 

The Telegraph Handicap field consists of 18 runners and four emergency runners in case of scratchings. The field is determined by prize money, class and various other handicapping factors. 

The Railway Stakes NZ is best form guide for the Telegraph. There aren’t many other top-flight sprinting races in New Zealand, so it’s clearly the best guide. 

Some winners have come through the Concorde, which used to be run at Avondale but was moved to Ellerslie when the NZ Racing schedule was changed. 

It often takes a good horse to win the Telegraph Handicap, but it also suits the southern runners, due to it being run left handed. Adventador, Signify and Enzo’s Lad have won recently and they’re all used to running left handed. 

Keep an eye on the sprinters which have been running well down south. 

Punters can livestream the Telegraph Handicap at Dabble or bet365. The Australian-based bookmakers shows all Australian and New Zealand racing live and all you need to do is have a positive account balance. 

We will have all barrier draws available when the draw is done during the week of the Telegraph Handicap. 

The barrier draw is a big tool used by punters to make their early bets.