The race was first run in 1971 as the Wallace Stakes over one and a quarter miles (about 2000m) and was won by a horse called Haarle. It was a Listed race from 1978 to 1997  and was renamed the Norman Robinson Stakes in 1979. In 1998 it was upgraded to a Group 3 race and then was upgraded again to a Group 2 race from 2000 to 2004 before returning to its current Group 3 status in 2015. It has been known as the Caulfield Classic since 2014 and is often used as a test or lead-up to longer staying races for three-year-olds. Those who handle it well often go on to contest the Victoria Derby two weeks later.

2023 Caulfield Classic Preview and results

2022 Caulfield Classic Preview and results

2020 Caulfield Classic Preview and results

Last filly to win: Sacred Eye (2015)

Fastest time (2000m): Lady Purpose (1991) 2:00:1

Caulfield Classic  & Victoria Derby: Polanski (2013); Amalfi (2001); Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995); Omnicorp (1987); Unaware (1976).

Interesting trivia: 1995 winner Nothin’ Leica Dane went on to win the Victoria Derby then finished 2nd to Doriemus in the 1995 Melbourne Cup. In 1981 Venus And Mars was first past the post but lost on protest to Lordship.

Winners of past Caulfield Classics include Thought Of That (2019), Polanski (2013), Retrieve (2010), Shamoline Warrior (2009), Pendragon (2005), Casual Pass (2003),  Amalfi (2001), Blackfriars (1999), Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995), Omnicorp (1987), Born To Be Queen (1985), Unaware (1976) and Lord Metric (1973).