The Australia Stakes is a Group 2 Weight-for-age race held annually each year in late January at Moonee Valley racecourse in Melbourne during the Melbourne autumn racing carnival. The race is a 1200 metres sprint event worth over $200,000 in prizemoney. Raced in the evening under lights, the 2012 Australia Stakes was won by Black Caviar from Zedi Knight with Doubtful Jack third.
Up until 20102 this race was formerly known as the 'Carlyon Stakes', but the MVRC changed the race name to the 'Australia Stakes' to fall in line with Australia Day celebrations that take place the same week.
The Australia Stakes generally attracts quality sprinters who are usually on their way to the bigger races of the autumn carnival such as the Gr1 Lightning Stakes a couple of weeks later at Flemington or the Gr1 William Reid Stakes in late March at Moonee Valley.
The Gr3 Rubiton Stakes or CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield may also be on the agenda for horses contesting this event and winners & placegetters of this race have plenty of feature race options ahead during the upcoming autumn carnival.
Some quality gallopers have won the Australia Stakes over the years including Black Caviar (2010 & 2012), El Segundo (2007), Hareeba (1995), Schillaci (1993), Redelva (1990) and flying mare Special (1988).
Black Caviar (2012) resumed from a spell to win this race for the second time in three years and recent Australia Stakes winners include Whitefriars (2011) & Black Caviar (2010).
2012 Australia Stakes result
1. $1.05 Black Caviar 56.5 Luke Nolen
2. $31.00 Zedi Knight 58.5 Jamie Mott
3. $51.00 Doubtful Jack 58.5 Jason Benbow
Then follwed
4. $51.00 Rock Classic 58.5 Steven Arnold
5. $101.00 Sound Journey 58.5 Glen Boss
6. $101.00 Hollowlea 58.5 Dwayne Dunn
Margins: 4 1/4 len, 4 1/2 len Time: 1.09.40
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