2023 Gilgai Stakes: Race History

Great horses down the straight win the Gilgai Stakes run at Flemington on Saturday.

2023 GILGAI STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Gilgai Stakes is a Group 2 race run under Set Weights and Penalty conditions for open class sprinters at Flemington conducted by the Victoria Racing Club.

The Gilgai Stakes is run over 1200m. It was first run in 1984 and was won by Royal Troubador.

The Gilgai Stakes was originally known as the Sir Rupert Steele after a VRC Chairman but its registered name is the Baguette Stakes.

Gilgai is the Farm where Black Caviar was bred.

Has always been run down the straight six.

The Gilgai Stakes was a Listed up to 1986 then Group 3 to 2006 before being a Group 2 thereafter.

Some of the great 'straight trackers' like Chautauqua, Hareeba and Placid Ark have won it. Sunlight loved it too.

In the season of 20/21, Zoutori won the Bobbie Lewis, Gilgai and the Newmarket all up the straight.

The Gilgai Stakes was worth $300,000 in 2023.

Notable winners of the Gilgai Stakes include Private Eye (2022), Kementari (2021), Zoutori (2020), Sunlight (2019), The Quarterback (2016), Chautauqua (2014/2015), Temple Of Boom (2011), Hay List (2010), All Silent (2009), Belle Du Jour (2001), Bomber Bill (2000), Poetic King (1995), Hareeba (1994), Joanne (1990), Redelva (1988), Placid Ark (1987) and Campaign King (1986).

The 2022 Gilgai Stakes was won by Private Eye from Roch 'N' Horse and Baller.