CF Orr Stakes

See the 2024 CF Orr Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2023 CF Orr Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 CF Orr Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2021 CF Orr Stakes Preview and results.

The CF Orr Stakes has been raced at five different racecourses and over distances ranging from 1400 metres (about 7 furlongs) to 12 furlongs (about 2400 metres) since it was first won by The Night Patrol in 1925 at Williamstown Racecourse over 8 furlongs (about 1609 metres).

The race was held at Williamstown Racecourse from the first running in 1925 until 1940 and then through the 1940s it was shifted between Moonee Valley Racecourse, Flemington Racecourse and Caulfield Racecourse. It stayed at Caulfield from 1949 to 1965 then was moved to Sandown Racecourse from 1966 to 1996 until returning to Caulfield in 1997. Originally run under WFA with penalties until 1942 it was run under handicap conditions from 1943 to 1945. It has been a WFA race since 1946.

It is rarely won by sprinting stars and instead the winners of past Orr Stakes tend to be middle-distance horses or true stayers who start their autumn campaigns in this race.

Last mare to win: Tofane (2022)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Jacquinot (2023); Filly – Grand Archway (1999)

Multiple winners: Typhoon Tracy (2010 & 2011); Vo Rogue (1988, 1989 & 1990); Manikato (1979, 1980 & 1981), Lord (1959 & 1960).

Fastest time (1400m): Desert Sky (2001) 1:21:6

Interesting trivia: In 2023 protest 2nd (Jacquinot) against 1st (Gentleman Roy) – UPHELD

Only four horses have been able to win this race more than once as it requires both skill and speed. Speedy mare Typhoon Tracy won in 2010 and 2011, bold front runner Vo Rogue won in 1988, 1989 and 1990, the mighty Manikato won in 1979, 1980 and 1981, and Lord won in 1959 and 1960. Many horses use the Orr Stakes as a lead-up race to the Futurity Stakes (1600 metres) three weeks later. Typhoon Tracy, Vo Rogue, Manikato and Lord all had at least one win each in the Futurity.

From the archives:

CF Orr Stakes Preview & Tips  2018

Track: Good, Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the $500,000 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes. The early favourite is Tosen Stardom who won the Toorak Handicap here in October, then was spelled after winning the Emirates Stakes in November. Second favouritism is shared between 2017 winner Black Heart Bart (scratched) who has a fantastic record at this track and distance, and Hartnell who hasn’t raced since finishing well back in the 2017 Melbourne Cup, but who won the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track and distance in August.

Mr Sneaky resumed for a solid 2^nd in the G2 Australia Stakes on 26 January. Shillelagh won the Cantala Stakes at the end of her last campaign and has had two recent trials. Brave Smash resumed for 5^th in the Australia Stakes but usually needs his first run back, while Thronum was the winner of that race. Mighty Boss is the only three-year-old in the race and won the Caulfield Guineas last campaign. The other runners are all over 16 to 1 in the early market.