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Australian Cup 2026 Betting Tips - Value with Leica Lucy & Sabaj

alex-marsh
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Last updated: Wed 25 Mar 2026 09:34

The 2026 Australian Cup at Flemington promises excitement with its $2 million prize at stake over 2000m. Birdman leads the betting, but the focus is on Leica Lucy, poised for a strong run after showing potential in her recent outings. Sabaj, a progressive type, and Philia, a forgotten contender with prior success over similar distances, add intrigue to the race. Betting tips suggest Leica Lucy and Sabaj as each-way options given their potential and recent performances. This prestigious late-autumn race will feature a quality middle-distance field vying for victory.

Alex Marsh 25 Mar 2026
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  • Leica Lucy positioned as a strong contender for an each-way bet
  • Sabaj offers potential value, showing progress in recent performance
  • Philia an option for multiples, showing past success over 2000m
Expired
Sabaj is an each-way quote in the 2026 Australian Cup. (Getty)

Flemington hosts the Group 1 Australian Cup on Saturday, March 28, with the weight-for-age feature bringing together a quality middle-distance field.

Run over 2000m, the $2 million contest is a key late-autumn target, with a mix of in-form runners and proven performers set to clash.

Birdman sits at the top of betting for the 2026 Australian Cup, currently a $3.50 favourite with BetRight.

2026 Australian Cup Tips


2026 Australian Cup Best Bet - Leica Lucy


Leica Lucy is edging closer to a peak and now finally gets to 2000m, which looks key given her staying profile.

She’s been knocking on the door in all Australian runs for Chris Waller after three wins over further in New Zealand, before a solid Australian Oaks effort on debut here.

Loved the return in the Futurity Stakes where she had no luck, and there was still merit to the All-Star Mile run despite being in the wrong part of the track on a day that favoured on-speed and inside.

It didn’t look much to the eye there, but she still ran the fastest last 200m of the race while laying in, which is a strong hidden positive.

Low draw, Damian Lane on, and third-up to a more suitable trip — she gets another look on an each-way basis, but it’s just about D-Day here.

2026 Australian Cup Value Bet - Sabaj


Sabaj comes through the All-Star Mile and has always looked a progressive type.

He wasn’t up to that level at weight-for-age on ratings, but still produced a cracker when getting out late from restricted room to grab fourth.

He recorded the fastest last 400m of the race there, which backed up the strength of the run.

We saw his talent early with a winning double in his first prep for the new yard, and before a spell, nothing went right in The Ingham.

2000m is the unknown, but third-up with X-factor, he’s right in commission here.

2026 Australian Cup Roughie - Philia


Philia might be a forgotten horse.

She didn’t appear to handle the Caulfield bend last start and lost the race when the sprint went on, but still stuck to the task fairly well.

That followed the Matron Stakes run where she was badly held up in the straight.

She’s still building back from a decent break, with the February 14 return suggesting that she would need at least a few runs to hit her straps.

Now up to 2000m, having won over this trip at Group 2 level in Brisbane before a Queensland Oaks run, she’s worth including in multiples.

2026 Australian Cup - Field & Odds


No.HorseTrainerJockeyBarrierWeightOdds
1Tom KittenAnthony & Sam FreedmanCraig Williams1259kg$4.40
2Light Infantry Man (FR)Ciaron MaherHarry Coffey959kg$17
3ApuliaBen, Will & JD HayesWilliam Pike259kg$12
4Just Fine (IRE)Gai Waterhouse & Adrian BottJordan Childs1159kg$61
5Birdman (IRE)Chris WallerBen Melham559kg$3.50
6SabajMick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Beau Mertens659kg$13
7Mark Twain (NZ)Phillip StokesLachlan Neindorf459kg$61
8Pride Of JenniCiaron MaherDeclan Bates1057kg$4.80
9Damask Rose (NZ)Mark WalkerJamie Melham157kg$26
10Leica Lucy (NZ)Chris WallerDamian Lane357kg$7
11Basilinna (NZ)Emma-Lee & David BrowneJye McNeil857kg$201
12PhiliaDavid VandykeDaniel Stackhouse757kg$41

Odds courtesy of BetRight & correct on 25/03/2026.

Verdict

Our tips for the 2026 Australian Cup are:

Best Bet1: Leica Lucy Each Way $7.00 at Bet Right - 7 Units
Best Bet2: Sabaj Each Way $13.00 at Bet Right - 3 Units
Leica Lucy
Each Way
$7.00 - 7 Units
Same Race Multi & Instant Deposit
Referral Code: BETS

For South Australian residents, Bet Right's gambling operations are governed by the South Australian Gambling. 18+ Think! About your choices. Don't let the game play you. Stay in control. Gamble responsibly and remember never allow minors to gamble. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858.

Bet at Bet Right
Sabaj
Each Way
$13.00 - 3 Units
Same Race Multi & Instant Deposit
Referral Code: BETS

For South Australian residents, Bet Right's gambling operations are governed by the South Australian Gambling. 18+ Think! About your choices. Don't let the game play you. Stay in control. Gamble responsibly and remember never allow minors to gamble. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858.

Bet at Bet Right

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