See the 2024 Canterbury Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2023 Canterbury Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Canterbury Stakes Preview and results.

The Canterbury Stakes began as a principal race over 6 furlongs. It was first held in 1929 and was won by Amounis. In 1973 the distance was converted to 1200 metres, and in 1979 the race was elevated to Group 2 status. In 2004 the distance was changed to 1300 metres, although in 2008 it was run over 1550 metres. It was upgraded to Group 1 level in 2013 and was moved to Randwick for the first  time in 2014.

The race was moved to Randwick Guineas day in 2014. Previously it was the same day as the Group 1 Coolmore Classic and Ranvet Stakes, and the Group 2 Moet & Chandon Stakes, Todman Stakes and Phar Lap Stakes. The winner is exempt from ballot for the George Ryder Stakes held 2 weeks later on Golden Slipper Day. Runners often go on to contest the TJ Smith Stakes and the All Aged Stakes. Major lead-up races are the Group 2 Challenge Stakes over 1000 metres the week before and the Group 2 Apollo Stakes over 1400 metres in February.

Last mare to win: Forbidden Love (2022)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Holler (2016); Filly – Emancipation (1983)

Multiple winners: More Joyous (2011 & 2012); At Sea (1988 & 1989); Sky High (1961 & 1962); San Domenco (1950 & 1951); Holdfast (1930, 1931 & 1932).

Fastest time (1300m): Trapeze Artist (2019) 1:14:19

Interesting trivia: In 2021 Savatiano ridden by Hugh Bowman was 1st across the line but nearly a year later was disqualified after a protracted investigation after returning a positive swab. This meant Hugh Bowman went from 100 Group 1 wins to 99 but reclaimed his 100th when he won this race in 2022.

Five horses have managed to win this race on more than one occasion. The most recent was More Joyous who scored in 2011 and 2012. At Sea won in 1988 and 1989, Sky High won in 1961 and 1962, San Domenco won in 1950 and 1951 and Holdfast won in three consecutive years of 1930, 1931 and 1932.

Canterbury Stakes Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Soft  Weather: Fine

There are only 9 runners for the $500,000 Bisley Workwear Canterbury Stakes and the betting is very open. The early favourite is Clearly Innocent who got into all sorts of problems when resuming for 6^th in the Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes which he arguably should have won. On the second line of betting are Epsom winner Happy Clapper who has a great first-up record, and Global Glamour who was caught near the line for a close 2^nd in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes over 1400m last start.

Endless Drama won the Apollo Stakes, while Invincible Gem has an excellent first-up record and resumes here. Showtime was headed late for 3^rd in the Futurity Stakes and may appreciate the shorter distance. Foxplay returned for a close 3^rd in the Millie Fox and has a good record at the track. Tulip won the Group 3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes last outing. Derryn is the outsider in the field.

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