Up And Coming Stakes

See the 2023 Up And Coming Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Up And Coming Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2021 Up And Coming Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2020 Up And Coming Stakes Preview and results.

The Up And Coming Stakes was first run as a Listed race over 1200m at Warwick Farm racecourse in 1979 when it was won by Spear. It was upgraded to a Group 3 race in 1980, then to a Group 2 race in 1993. Since then it went back to a Group 3 in 2005, a Group 2 in 2013 and then back to a Group 3 from 2014 onwards. From 2011 onwards the distance was increased to 1300m. It has also been held at multiple venues. In 2021 is was held at Kembla Grange due to Covid-19 lockdowns in Sydney.

The race is often used as a return to racing for three-year-olds that showed talent during their two-year-old year, and some first-class gallopers have won this race. A few runners may have had a lead-up run in The Rosebud at Rosehill. Before 2014 it was run under set weights and penalties conditions and was restricted to colts and geldings, making it the male equivalent of the Toy Show Quality for fillies and mares.

In 2022 trainer Gai Waterhouse won this race for the 6th time with a gelding called Kibou.

Horses that run well in this race may go on to other three-year old races in the Spring like the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle, the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes, the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes over 1500m or the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes over 1400m.

The race is named after a horse called Up And Coming who won the Warwick Stakes (now called the Winx Stakes) back in 1959.

Fastest time (1300m): Dracarys (2017) 1:14.76

Up And Coming Stakes & Caulfield Guineas: Divine Prophet (2016); Our Maizcay (1995); Mahogany (1993)

Leading jockeys: Brian York with 4 wins (Newquay 2001; Zariz 2000; General Nediym 1997; Our Maizcay 1995).

Leading trainers: Gai Waterhouse had a record 5 winners in this race (Master Ash 2018; War 2013; Dreamscape 2008; Snowland 2002; Newquay 2001)

Interesting trivia: Superium was across the line first in 2019, but True Detective won on protest. 2017 winner Dracarys was sired by 2005 winner Snitzel. Dreamscape (2008) won this at his first race start. Not held in 2007 due to equine influenza. Held at Kembla Grange in 2021 due to Covid-19 lockdowns in Sydney.

Winners of past Up And Coming Stakes include top class gallopers Snitzel (2005), Fastnet Rock (2004), Exceed and Excel (2003), Testa Rossa (1999), General Nediym (1997), Paint (1996), Our Maizcay (1995), Mahogany (1993), Kinjite (1991), Star Watch (1988), Sky Chase (1987), Sir Dapper (1983), Marscay (1982), Best Western (1981) and John’s Hero (1980).