2013 The BMW Stakes

The BMW Stakes is a 2400 metre weight-for-age race run by the Australian Turf Club and is held on Golden Slipper Day in early April. It is run at Rosehill and is the only Group 1 weight-for-age race over 2400 metres in Australia.

Race Type: Group 1, Open WFA
Distance: 2,400 metres
Track: Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney, New South Wales
Date: Saturday 6 April 2013

The BMW Stakes was first held as a quality handicap over 12 furlongs in 1963 and was won by a mare called Maidenhead. In 1964 the race was held over 10 furlongs but reverted back to 12 furlongs in 1965. In 1973 the distance was converted to 2400 metres, in 1977 it became a weight-for-age race, and it 1980 it reached Group 1 status.

Over the years the BMW Stakes has also been called the H.E. Tancred Stakes, the Tancred Cup and the Mercedes Classic. It is Australia’s richest weight-for-age staying event and attracts top class horses from throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as the top trainers and jockeys, and is one of the highlights of the Autumn Racing Carnival.

Runners use the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes over 2000 metres as the major lead-up in Sydney while Melbourne horses can arrive via the Group 1 Australian Cup over 2000 metres. The Ranvet – BMW double has been won by horses like Tuesday Joy (2008), Eremein (2006) and Tie The Knot (2000), while the Australian Cup – BMW double has been won by horses like Makybe Diva (2005) and Octagonal (1997).

BMW Stakes Final Field & Odds 2013

See below for betting markets for this years BMW Stakes.

BMW Stakes Preview & Tips 2013

Track: Slow    Weather: Overcast

Twelve stayers have accepted for the $2,250,000 The BMW. The early favourite is the baby of the field Fiveandahalfstar who has run 2nd in Group races at all four starts this campaign. Second favourite is Maluckyday who flew home from last in the Ranvet Stakes for 3rd last outing and is suited by the extra distance. Third favourite is Foreteller following his fighting win in the Ranvet, although this is his first try at the 2400m.

Imported horse Hathras and Silent Achiever, the only mare in the field, are the only other runners at single figure odds in the early market. New Zealand horse Sangster won three Group races in New Zealand before finishing 7th in the Ranvet and should run well. Kellini has had 3 runs from a spell and can improve over his favourite distance. Le Roi won the Summer Cup over this course and distance and could place at odds. Eight-year-old Niwot is the oldest runner and will come into contention if substantial rain falls.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.

Past winners of the BMW Stakes:

Winners of past BMW Stakes include horses that have won races like the Melbourne Cup, Sydney Cup, Doomben Cup, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Cox Plate. It has been dominated by colts and geldings and no three-year-old filly has ever won, but the few mares who have won have all been great including Tuesday Joy (2008), Makybe Diva (2005) and Ethereal (2002). Good horses that won this race as three-year-olds include Grand Zulu, Octagonal, Beau Zam, Myocard, Bonecrusher and Kingston Town.