2020 Cantala Stakes Race Details

Race 8 at Flemington on Saturday 31 October 2020.

The Emirates Stakes is a 1600 metre quality handicap race run by the Victorian Racing Club at Flemington on Victoria Derby day. It is held in late October or early November as part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the Cantala Stakes page.

Cantala Stakes 2020 Preview

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

A capacity field of sixteen runners + four emergencies have accepted for the Group 1 Cantala Stakes. There are a number of different form lines to assess. Seven of them had their last start in the Toorak Handicap run at Group one level at Caulfield whilst four come through the Moonga Stakes also run at Caulfield . Kings Legacy is the sole three year old in the race.

Mr Quickie has come up an early favourite with the bookies. He made a spectacular return to winning form in the Toorak coming from midfield to win easily. Buffalo River carries the minimum weight of 53kg and looks the likely leader. Rock is one of five horses to have had their last start in Sydney. He was an eye catcher from the back in the Epsom Handicap.

Fifty Stars has a good fitness base now and loves racing at his home track. Wild Planet was hard ridden on the bend at Caulfield but once he picked up the bit was very strong through the line. Noncormfist is coming back from 2000m but he is a talented four year old on the up. Yulong Prince finished fourth in the Epsom last start. The rest of the runners are $20-1 or longer.

Cantala Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Fifty Stars

Fifty Stars has been building nicely into his preparation.  He is a quality animal and third up back to his home track of Flemington will be to his liking.   An Each Way chance.

2. Mr Quickie

Returned to winning form last start when showing a dazzling turn of foot to win the Toorak Handicap by two lengths.  Draws out wide here but with good speed on paper can peel wide and sweep down the outside.  One of the main chances.

3. Olmedo

Former international who has had one Australian start.  That was in the Autumn – he finished down the track.  Hard to recommend off that but he has had time to adapt to Australian conditions and comes from a leading stable.

4. Wild Planet

Wild Planet has won two of his four starts this preparation.  He has a great record at Flemington and draws a perfect barrier for jockey William Pike.  Looks to have a great chance and is big odds in early markets.

5. Yulong Prince

He finished fourth in the Epsom last start – that race is proving strong form.  A winner at his only try on the track and gets an inform Damian Lane to steer.

6. Best of the Days

Disappointed in an easier race last start.  This may be too tougher a test in the twilight of his career.

7. Cascadian

Racing consistently without winning.  This is as deeper race as anything he has been contesting this preparation.

8. I am Superman

Finished midfield in the Toorak.  Is yet to prove himself at this level but this is not a strong race.

9. Rock

Gave them a big start in the Epsom, finishing as well as anything from the back.  Is going to need a good ride from barrier two but if Michael Poy can get him into clean air he can figure in the finish.

10. Streets of Avalon

Racing well below his best this preparation.  No.

11. The Velvet King

Former WA Galloper now with Peter Moody.  Drawn to get a soft run here and at huge odds could be one for the multiples.

12. Age of Chivalry

Backing up after running second in last weeks group two Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.  Is yet to miss a place at Flemington but it is going to take a big effort drawn out in barrier 19.

13. Buffalo River

Might have been a run short entering the Toorak second up.  He is a horse who likes to set a good speed out in front and break their hearts.  Fitter now – he is a major player.

14. Chief Ironside

Finished midfield in the Toorak.  He doesn’t win out of turn.

15. Nonconformist

He was an impressive winner of the Coonegy last start.  Has plenty of talent but not sure he is suited dropping back to 1600m.

16. Kings Legacy

The sole three year old in the race.  He finished ninth in the Caulfield Guineas after being well supported.  He is better than that.  Consider for the multiples.

17. Reykjavik

Don’t think he is talented enough to be a serious winning chance here but always runs an honest race.

18. Junipal

Disappointed after starting favourite in the Toorak Handicap.  His chances will improve if the track was to get into the soft range.

19. Harbour Views

Talented horse who has lost his way a little bit.  Perhaps the application of blinkers for the first time can help him turn his form around?

20.Reloaded

He has form around a number of the better Sydney horses but his most recent run / trial have been below par.  Hard to know what to make of him.

The Cantala Stakes 2020 Tips

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
Lewis’ Tips
2. Mr Quickie 13. Buffalo River
13. Buffalo River 4. Wild Planet
1. Fifty Stars 2. Mr Quickie
9. Rock 9. Rock

Previews for other races this week

Group 1 Victoria Derby 2020 (Flemington 2500m)

The Golden Eagle 2020 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes 2020 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Hotham Handicap 2020 (Flemington 2500m)

2020 Cantala Stakes Results

The track was rated as Good 3

Scratchings 17e. Reykjavik, 18e. Junipal, 19e. Harbour Views (FRA), 20e. Reloaded.

Result Horse Margin
1st 5. Yulong Prince
2nd 7. Cascadian 0.2 length
3rd 9. Rock 0.7 lengths
4th 12, Age Of Chivalry 1.4 lengths