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 2020 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 2020 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 Beteasy 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. 

To live stream the 2020 Telegraph Handicap, sign up with Beteasy or bet365.

We will have all barrier draws available when the draw is done during the week of the 2020 Telegraph Handicap. 

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

Below are the dates, times and betting schedule for the Telegraph Handicap and the 9 supporting races on the big card. 

The Telegraph Handicap is one of 10 quality betting races, which also includes the Group 1 Thorndon Mile, the Wellington Cup and two Group 3 races. 

Enzo’s Lad scored his second consecutive Telegraph Handicap, after being victorious in 2018. Apart from Ferrando in second placing, the four-horse trifecta featured three southern horses. 

The 2019 Telegraph Handicap runs on Saturday January 18, 2020. 

The sprinting contest is run over 1200m. 

The Telegraph is held at Trentham, which is located in Wellington, New Zealand. 

The Telegraph Handicap is held at 3:45pm NZ. 

Enzo’s Lad won the 2019 Telegraph Handicap for trainer Michael Pitman. 

Enzo’s Lad. His first of two. 

$250,000 is the total prize pool for the 2020 Telegraph Handicap.