Last year, the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, run over 1600m at Caulfield, was one of the races of the Spring Racing Carnival, when Queensland star Antino circled the field before the home turn after a daring and masterful ride by Blake Shinn.
In the past, nine Toorak Handicap winners have gone on to win the Caulfield Cup seven days later, but none of the 11 starters this year are entered for the Cup.
Toorak Handicap 2025 Preview and Details
Track: Caulfield.
Distance/type: 1600m. Handicap.
Date: Saturday, 11 October.
Total prizemoney: $1,000,000
First prize: $600,000
Toorak Handicap – Race and Time: Race 7 (3.50 pm)
Weather and Track
The Caulfield track was rated a Good 4 on Wednesday. The BOM is predicting only occasional showers for the rest of the week. Bet on a Good surface.
The rail is true. With the prospect of a firm track, expect the bias towards fast horses on the inside to have an advantage. Monitor the racing patterns earlier in the day.
The Trainers
Australia’s two leading trainers, Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher, are chasing their first win in the Toorak Handicap. Waller will saddle two runners, the mares Lazzura and Leica Lucy. Maher’s sole representative is former top Kiwi Willydoit.
Only three trainers with a runner this year have won a Toorak Handicap. Last year, leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan won with Antino. This year he can make it two with the promising Transatlantic.
Phillip Stokes, who won with Mr Quickie in 2020, will saddle one of the outsiders, Athanatos. Ben Hayes has a strong chance of winning his second Toorak with last-start winner Evaporate, who he trains in partnership with his brothers Will and JD. Hayes won with He’s Our Rokki (2016) when training with his father David and cousin, Tom Dabernig.
The Jockeys
Last year Blake Shinn produced one of the rides of the year to win his first Toorak Handicap on Antino. This year, he will ride Evaporate, who he rode in similar daring fashion to win the Sandown Stakes two weeks ago.
Shinn, Damian Lane, Jamie Melham and Craig Williams are the only jockeys with a ride this year who have previously won the Toorak. Lane (Leica Lucy) won in consecutive years in 2017 (Tosen Stardom) and 2018 (Land Of Plenty). Melham (Damask Rose) won on Mr Quickie (2020) and Williams (Athanatos) won on Fierce Impact (2019) and Barely A Moment (2005).
The Speed Map
Tempo prediction: good
Like most races run under handicap conditions, expect a genuine tempo, especially with Desert Lightning, Sepals and Feroce likely to go forward. Sepals has won his past two, including the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke (1400m, Caulfield) by sitting outside the leader. This time, it will be interesting to see if he can cross to the fence to lead.
Evaporate is another who can race forward. Pinstriped, who ran well in the Sir Rupert Clarke but without luck, has drawn to settle just off the pace as is Chris Waller’s mare Lazzura.
The back runners hoping for pressure include Willydotit, Leica Lucy, Damask Rose and Transatlantic from barrier nine.
Point of Interest
Toorak toff: Sepals is aiming to be the 10th horse to win the Sir Rupert Clarke-Toorak Handicap double, and the first since Trust In A Gust in 2014.
Carry that weight: When Sepals won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, he had the limit weight of 52kg. In the Toorak Handicap, he must carry 57kg. Desert Lightning will carry topweight of 59kg, the same weight Mr Quickie carried to win in 2020.
Toorak Handicap 2025 Racing Tips
Toorak Handicap Top Tip
Sepals
He’s an exciting prospect who has demolished his rivals in his past to starts, both at Caulfield. Rises 5kg in weight from his Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke win and needs to run an extra 200m. Cliff Brown is a master trainer. Drawn to lead.
Toorak Handicap Dangers
Willydoit
New Zealand Derby winner last season. Trainer Ciaron Maher has said he’s a natural talent capable of winning over any distance. Wide draw will give him the room he needs. Looks to be a value bet.
Leica Lucy
New Zealand Oaks winner last season. Loved the way she charged home late in the Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) last run. She has the class.
Evaporate
Right back to his best with a game win in the Sandown Stakes after making a mid-race move. Showed last season that this is the type of race that will suit him.
Toorak Handicap Roughie
Damask Rose
Group 1 winner in New Zealand. Luckless from back in the field in her two recent Aussie starts. She can be tardy away but she’s got the ability to win if she can jump well from barrier 3.
Toorak Handicap Same Race Multi (pick a combination)
Sepals – top two
Evaporate – top four
Leica Lucy & Willydoit – top five
Damask Rose – top six