Toorak Handicap Tips, Betting, Odds, Horses & More 2025

The Toorak Handicap, traditionally held at the Caulfield Racecourse in October, holds a prominent position within the Melbourne Racing Club's Spring Carnival, boasting an impressive total prize money of $1 million. It stands as one of the premier middle-distance races at Caulfield and is run on the first Saturday of the Caulfield Cup Carnival.  

The race day, often referred to as ‘Caulfield Guineas Day’, boasts the aforementioned Caulfield Guineas at Group 1 as well as the Might and Power Stakes, also at Group 1 and three other listed races on the day. So, it’s no wonder many flock to Caulfield Racecourse, one of the top tracks in the country, each year.

If a runner can win the Toorak Handicap, they are then eligible for some bonus prize money. But to successfully claim the $1 million bonus prize money that’s on offer, the winner of the Toorak Handicap also has to win the Cox Plate, which is run later in the Spring Racing Carnival, at Moonee Valley.

It is unsurprising to see the best middle-distance runners both from Australia and right around the world come to Caulfield Racecourse to compete in the $1 million Toorak Handicap. The race is steeped in history, with the first running all the way back in 1881, but we will talk more about this in our “History” section later on this page.

Some of the other areas we will cover in our Toorak Handicap page include information on horse racing betting, tips and odds, as well as important details on the field, form guide, horses and more! We are truly your one-stop shop for all things Toorak Handicap each year!

With a very significant $1 million prize pool on offer for contenders, it is an important race to win in its own right. However, it is also seen as a lead-up race for the big mile race of the Flemington Spring Racing Carnival a few weeks later, the Champions Stakes.

That being said, first place walks away with $600,000 split between all the relevant connections of the runner and prize money is paid out all the way down to eighth place. For the full prize money allocation see below:

You’re after some horse racing tips, aren’t you? Well, do we have you covered, or do we have you covered?! The team at OnlyRacing prides itself on providing the best free horse racing tips in Australia. We cover tips for each Group 1 and key race on the calendar, as well as weekly Caulfield tips, so you’ll never miss a beat.

For the Toorak Handicap specifically, our tips aren’t available just yet. We are waiting until race week, when the final field is announced, to put together our tips. When we know which runners are due to take part in the Toorak Handicap, this is when we will put together our best bet, next best and best roughie. 

While you’ll have to wait a little longer for our 2025 Toorak Handicap tips, you can check out who our experts had to top for the 2024 race here:

Toorak Handicap Best Bet - Another Wil

Can’t wait to see what Another Wil can produce on the day in the Toorak Handicap and I’m hoping he can break through for his first Group 1 win. Another Wil is currently the $2.90 favourite with PlayUp and if he wins this, he will go to star status in my eyes. The 5YO gelding has only contested one Group 1 so far, where he finished unplaced.

He is looking for the trifecta of wins here in this one after winning a BM100 race and then the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes in September. The run in the Testa Rossa Stakes in particular was epic, showing his unique turn of foot to get the win. Coming into this one third-up means he is fitter and I reckon he is a class above most of them here.

Toorak Handicap Next Best - Antino

There are a lot of contenders for the next best in the 2024 Toorak Handicap, but I’ve ended up siding with Antino. The 6YO gelding is currently on the second line of betting at PlayUp, with odds of $5.50. Antino finished a close second in this race last year and I think another second place is on the cards again, as he has just found one better.

In saying that, if Another Wil isn’t at his very best, Antino is likely to be the one who can swoop in and get a Group 1 victory. He has finished third in his last two runs, in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes and the Group 2 Feehan Stakes. His recent form means he needs to be highly rated and is a serious contender.

Toorak Handicap Best Roughie - Osipenko

There’s a bit of value to be found in this one, but I think Osipenko presents the best value of all. Some might have written him off, but I’m giving him another chance because he has a lot of potential and has come into a little bit of form again. The gelding is currently paying $15 with PlayUp.

It was a short-lived Winter campaign and then didn’t produce much first up this prep. Second-up was a much better performance, finishing fourth by just 1.7L in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes. He gave it his all, coming from the back of the field in what was an on-speed race. He comes into this one third-up and is looking to peak.

Placing bets on the Toorak Handicap and other Group 1 Australian thoroughbred horse races offers an opportunity to showcase your racing expertise. From straightforward Fixed Win or Place market picks to more complex exotic bets, the possibilities are vast. 

Whether you prefer multis, exotics, or want to focus on specific jockeys or popular bets of the day, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed betting decisions. If you’re new to the world of horse racing, you definitely need to read this Toorak Handicap betting section before placing any bets.

The Toorak Handicap is shaping up to be a thrilling Group 1 race at Caulfield Racecourse. In this section, we’ll give some insights on picking from one of the best betting sites in Australia for your wagers on this event. 

The Australian bookmaking scene can be daunting, but we're here to simplify the process by recommending trustworthy choices. Before delving into our suggestions, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the Toorak Handicap's lineup (if available) and decide on your favoured horses.

A primary consideration in choosing from one of the new betting apps in Australia is the odds they present. It might take a bit of legwork, but by comparing odds across various bookmakers for your chosen market, you can pinpoint the one offering the most value. 

By opting for the bookie with superior odds, you amplify your potential winnings. For an extensive list of Australian bookmakers (catering to Group 1 horse racing events (including the likes of Volcanobet, PuntGenie and Dabble), our bookmaker reviews page is a handy resource.

Your personal comfort with a bookmaker also matters. Many local bettors have a preference for familiar platforms, be it a frequently-used app or website. It's perfectly valid to remain loyal to a bookie you're at ease with. Our bookmaker reviews page sheds light on the credibility of each operator, aiding your decision-making process.

Promotional and bonus offers are another pivotal factor in bookmaker selection. Browse our OnlyRacing promotions page to discover the bonuses and deals Australian bookmakers extend. Some might even roll out exclusive promotions for the Toorak Handicap, so it's beneficial to scout those out.

In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a bookmaker for the Toorak Handicap. The tips highlighted above are foundational guidelines and it is imperative to partner with a reputable bookie and furnish any required verification details before wagering. 

Each year, the Toorak Handicap field is announced during race week. Up until race week, we don’t know for sure which runners will be taking part in the race. While the final field hasn’t been confirmed for the race in 2025, if history is anything to go by, we will see a high-quality lineup of runners.

Before the final field is announced, all the top bookies will open Fixed Win and Place markets for the race. So, if you’re interested in getting a little look at the type of runners that could be lining up in the upcoming race, we suggest checking out the odds (if they are available).

The final field isn’t available for the 2025 Toorak Handicap but you can take a look back to the race in 2024 to see which runners competed:

In 2024, the Toorak Handicap featured a field of 13 runners and there weren’t any emergencies listed either. Before the race, we ended up seeing one scratching, as Pericles was pulled from the race. This resulted in the field being reduced to 12 runners.

Unfortunately, we have to report that scratchings happen a lot in horse racing. There are many different reasons why a runner gets scratched from the race, but the good news is that if you’ve bet on a runner who subsequently gets scratched, you will get your stake back.

In almost every race, it is important to look at the barrier draw, this is especially the case at tracks where there are tight turns or races that feature a lot of runners. Every horse has a different racing style, so connections of each runner would have a particular barrier they want their horse to jump from.

Putting together a form guide for any race, especially a Group 1 race, isn’t that difficult, you just know where to look to get reliable data. The thing that is slightly annoying about it is the time it takes! For a race like the Toorak Handicap, there is a lot of data to sift through. If you don’t really have the time, then we can help you out.

We’ve gone through all the relevant data on the Toorak Handicap and found some key form indicators that can help point you in the direction of a winner. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to bet with their head and not their heart, checking out the Toorak Handicap form guide is a must. Take a look at what we’ve found below!

The middle-distance race leads itself into a lot of different form lines, as you’ll see sprinter-milers stepping out to their longest distance and stayers dropping down. We usually almost always see a capacity or close to-capacity field. In the last 31 years, we haven’t seen a single-digit field.

Mares don’t usually have a lot of success in this race. This is reflected in the stats as from 2000, we have only seen three mares win the Toorak Handicap, with 2010 being the last time when More Joyous won the race.

The age group that has had the most success in the Toorak Handicap are 4YOs. We usually see a lot of 4YOs compete in the race and since 2005, they have seen more success than any other age group. 

While in the past, the majority of winners have carried a light weight on their backs, this is starting to change. Punters no longer need to avoid runners who are carrying more weight as we’ve seen the likes of Mr Quickie (2020), Lucky Hussler (2015), Solzhenitsyn (2012), King Mufhasa (2011) and More Joyous (2010) all carry 58kg or more.

If you’re thinking about backing the favourite, you’ll be pleased to know they have a fair record in the Toorak Handicap. Since 2010, we have seen six favourites win the race. However, you should completely avoid roughies either. Since 2017, we have seen four double-digit roughies win the race.

Over the years, we’ve seen some pretty amazing horses compete and go on to win the Toorak Handicap. We could probably make a case for dozens and dozens to be included in this section as some of the best-ever Toorak Handicap horses, but the reality is we only have room for a handful.

This means we’ve had to make some tough decisions and focus on horses we think have had the most impact on the industry. Remember, it’s a personal choice, so you may or may not agree with the decisions we’ve made. Check out the top Toorak Handicap horses we have chosen below:

Galilee - 1966

Galilee was one of the most successful horses of his time, with many Group 1 wins, including the 1966 Toorak Handicap. He was the first (and still the only) horse to win the Caulfield Cup, the Melbourne Cup and the Sydney Cup all in one season! He has also been inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Tobin Bronze - 1967

The stallion, Tobin Bronze, competed around the same time as Galilee and he won the 1967 Toorak Handicap. He had a career record of 60:28-10-6, which included wins in races like the Victoria Derby, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate, the Doncaster Mile along with the All Aged Stakes.

Divine Madonna - 2007

With over $2 million in the bank, it’s easy to see why Divine Madonna is considered one of the best horses to ever compete and win the Toorak Handicap. She ended her career with a record of 26:8-3-4 and this included major wins in races like the Champions Mile, the Queen of the Turf Stakes and the Empire Rose Stakes.

More Joyous - 2010

More Joyous won eight Group 1 races in her career, including the Toorak Handicap in 2010. Some of the other key races she won throughout her storied career included; the Doncaster Mile, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Flight Stakes. If you want to learn more about these races, check out our Group One races list!

Mr Quickie - 2020

Multiple Group 1 winner, Mr Quickie, was too quick for them in the 2020 Toorak Handicap. Mr Quickie had a career record of 30:11-6-3 and he won over $2 million in prize money. The other key races he won throughout his career included; the Queensland Derby and the Victoria Handicap.

The Toorak Handicap odds are like the glue that holds everything together! Well before the Toorak Handicap comes around, bookies will open up horse racing markets for the race. As we get closer and closer to the race, more markets will be released. There are plenty of markets available, so there is something for everyone!

It’s important to remember that as soon as the odds are released, they will be changing all the time. Many factors go into making the odds and different bookies may have different factors, which is why you’ll sometimes notice different odds for the same market/ runner.

At this stage, the odds market for the Toorak Handicap is not yet available with our favourite bookie, PlayUp. They will have multiple different markets available closer to race day, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled, especially when it is race week.

Odds fluctuation is a way of life in horse racing, so if you see a price you like for the market/ runner you want to bet on, it is recommended that you jump on it as soon as you can. If you don’t, you risk the odds shortening and you won’t get as much bang for your buck. But on the flip side, the odds could increase, so it does go both ways. 

The 2025 Toorak Handicap odds may not be available, but we’ve left up the odds from the 2024, so you can see where all the runners stood in the market:

*Odds correct as of 10/10/2024.

The Toorak Handicap, a prestigious race with a rich history, has been a cornerstone of Australian horse racing since its inception in 1881. With a lineage of winners that stretches back over a century, the race has witnessed some of the most iconic moments and champions in the sport.

The inaugural Toorak Handicap was won by Josephine, setting the stage for a long list of esteemed champions that would follow. From the race's early days to the present, each winner has added a unique chapter to the Toorak Handicap's storied legacy. 

Notably, in 2021, I'm Thunderstruck clinched the title, later going on to secure victory in the lucrative The Golden Eagle race, which now boasts a whopping $10 million prize pool. The following year, in 2022, Tuvalu emerged victorious, having previously showcased a commendable performance in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Over the years, the Toorak Handicap has seen its share of remarkable feats. Solzhenitsyn, for instance, stands out as the last horse to claim back-to-back victories in 2012 and 2013. Many runners flock to Caulfield during the Spring Racing Carnival, which is one of the biggest horse racing carnivals of the year, to claim a piece of history.

There have been a total of five horses who have achieved the illustrious Toorak Handicap - Caulfield Cup double in the same year. In the past, we’ve seen names like The Trump, Royal Gem and Tobin Bronze gracing this elite list. 

Tobin Bronze's 1976 victory is particularly noteworthy, as he also clinched the Cox Plate title that year. The Trump's 1937 triumph was another historic moment, as he went on to win the Melbourne Cup, achieving the coveted Spring Cup double.

Originally known as a Principal Race spanning eight furlongs, the race briefly extended to nine furlongs in 1891 before reverting to its original distance the following year. With the introduction of the metric system in Australia, the race's length was standardised to 1,600m in 1972 and it was elevated to Group 1 status in 1979.

While the Toorak Handicap has primarily been associated with Caulfield Racecourse, it has also seen changes in its venue. During World War II, the race was temporarily relocated to Flemington Racecourse. Today, the race is a highlight of the MRC Spring Carnival, taking place annually in October on Caulfield Guineas Day.

The Toorak Handicap is more than just a race; it's a celebration of horse racing's rich tapestry in Australia. With each passing year, new stories are woven into its legacy, ensuring that the Toorak Handicap remains an enduring symbol of excellence in the world of equestrian sports.

On the hunt for the Toorak Handicap results? Well, the team at OnlyRacing has you covered! If you weren’t lucky enough to catch the race live, or you just want to relive all the action, then you’ve come to the right place. We have all the details you need on the results of the latest Toorak Handicap.

For the Toorak Handicap in 2024, we saw Antino, who was on the second line of betting with odds of $4.80, take out the race. The Tony Gollan-trained Antino went from last to first to claim a dominant 6.5L victory. A run that has to be seen to be believed!

Craig finished in second and Alsephina rounded out the final minor placing. The pre-race favourite, Another Wil, finished seventh, 9.9L off the leader. In the end, the Toorak Handicap was run in a time of 1:35.24 and there was a total of 13.8L that split the field.

If you’d like to see where each runner finished in the Toorak Handicap, check out the table below:

A picture tells a thousand words, they say. But what about a video? Check out the full race replay of the Toorak Handicap below:

Not everyone is lucky enough to be a winner! Check out all the recent Toorak Handicap winners below (up until 2010):

While we aim to make this page as comprehensive as they come, sometimes things do slip through the cracks. This is why we have put together one final section for you, our Toorak Handicap FAQs section! If you have any last-minute questions take a look below: