Horse Racing Tips for The William Reid Stakes 2026

What a day of racing we have in store this Saturday.

With five Group 1 races at Rosehill, the spotlight in Melbourne falls on a single elite contest, but it is a strong one in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.

This year brings a different dynamic with the race shifting away from its traditional home at Moonee Valley, meaning historical patterns carry less weight and the focus should be firmly on current form, map and conditions.

Superstar sprinter Jimmysstar returns, using this as a tune up ahead of a crack at the T.J. Smith Stakes in a fortnight.

He faces a deep and competitive field including Jigsaw and Oakleigh Plate winner Tropicus, along with proven Group 1 performers such as Baraqiel, Magic Time, Angel Capital, Charm Stone, Rey Magnerio and Benedetta.

While the favourite clearly sets the standard if he brings his best, there are plenty of viable alternatives in the market, and a few look over the odds in what shapes as a genuinely competitive sprint.

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Cody Lane – William Reid Stakes Preview 21/3/26

Speed Map & Race Shape

Leaders:
Tropicus (2) and Jigsaw (11)

On pace:
Jimmysstar (1). Mark Zahra will likely need to ride positively from barrier 1 to avoid getting caught on the rail.
Baraqiel (5) and Devil Night (8)

Midfield:
Benedetta (4), Charm Stone (3) and Magic Time (10)

Rear:
Angel Capital (6), Rey Magnerio (7) and Airman (10)

 

Race Shape:

A strong tempo looks likely, with Jigsaw rolling forward and ensuring pressure throughout. This should give every runner their chance, but those up front will look to grind the race out, while runners settling back will need to show toughness and sustain a long run to feature.

 

William Reid Stakes Facts You Must Consider

• There has been a good mix of short priced and long priced winners of this race, with seven winners under $4 and six winners over $10 in the last 20 years.
• Three year olds and four-year-olds have dominated this race in the last 40 years with 15 three year old winners and 11 four year old winners.
• Since 2008, a horse carrying 58.5kg has won nine times and a horse carrying 56.5kg has won six times. These two weights have been the winning weight for 15 of the last 18 editions of this race combined.

 

Selections and Analysis

1st - #1 Jimmysstar $2.30

He is the one to beat.

While this is clearly a stepping stone toward the T.J. Smith, his trial work has been excellent and he has a proven record fresh with five wins from seven first up runs.

The race sets up to suit him. From barrier 1, he can either hold a position or be ridden quietly along the rail, which he handled perfectly when producing that barnstorming win in the Russell Balding Stakes last spring from a similar setup.

He loses regular rider Ethan Brown due to suspension, but Mark Zahra is a high quality replacement and has a strong strike rate with trainer Ciaron Maher.

He also gets in very well at the weights with 58.5kg, which has been a key winning weight for this race, and he boasts an outstanding Caulfield record with five wins from six starts.

As long as Zahra has him within striking distance turning for home, he will be very hard to beat.

 

2nd - #7 Benedetta $19.00

Continues to be underrated by the market.

She had no luck first up in the Lightning, then was in the inferior part of the Flemington straight in the Newmarket but still hit the line strongly alongside Tentyris.

She draws ideally to land midfield with cover and gets Daniel Stackhouse back aboard, who has an excellent record on her with six wins and five placings from 15 rides.

Third up is her best profile with a record of five starts for two wins, one second and one third, and at the price she looks a genuine value play capable of running a big race.

 

3rd - #8 Magic Time $15.00

She would be an even stronger chance if the track was wet, but she is still capable of running well first up.

She has a strong fresh record with four wins from seven starts and comes off a narrow defeat in the Group 1 VRC Sprint behind Giga Kick.

Her recent trials have been solid and while the draw presents a challenge, she has the class to overcome it and be competitive.

 

4th - #5 Baraqiel $9.00

The main query is the setback leading into this race, which adds some risk to his chances.

That said, he gets back around a bend, which is something connections have been keen on, and he maps to receive a perfect run in transit.

There are also notable gear changes with blinkers going on for the first time, while the crossover noseband and winkers both come off. These changes mirror what was used in his jump outs.

There is some uncertainty around what version of him we will see on Saturday, but if he produces his best, he is more than capable of featuring in the finish.

 

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