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Blue Diamond Stakes 2026 Betting Tips - Is Guest House Ready to Fire?

alex-marsh
Editor
Last updated: Wed 18 Feb 2026 07:40

The 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes, Melbourne's leading juvenile race, is set to captivate audiences at Caulfield on February 21. With a competitive field, the race features a strong mix of Prelude form, interstate prospects, and unbeaten contenders. Guest House, priced at $5.50, is favored due to its talent and potential for improvement. Closer To Free and Alibaba, despite facing challenges, also present strong cases for victory. The event promises thrilling action as the top young horses vie for the prestigious title.

Alex Marsh 18 Feb 2026
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  • 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes to take place at Caulfield on February 21
  • 'Guest House' is our top bet; promising chance from a good draw
  • Big Sky leads the market at $4.80; Alibaba could surprise despite a wide gate
Expired
Long odds are available for Alibaba in the 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes. (Getty)

Melbourne's premier juvenile race, the 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes, takes centre stage at Caulfield on Saturday, February 21 over 1200m.

A strong mix of Prelude form, interstate lead-ups and unbeaten prospects ensures this year’s edition shapes as one of the more competitive renewals in recent memory.

At $4.80 with BetRight, Big Sky leads the 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes market.

2026 Blue Diamond Stakes Tips


2026 Blue Diamond Stakes Best Bet - Guest House

Can Guest House put it all together here?

The colt was again his own worst enemy in the colts and geldings edition of the Blue Diamond Prelude, which was run more than two lengths faster than the fillies’ renewal on February 7.

He knuckled at the start in that latest appearance and then raced keenly, so there was still merit in the one-length defeat despite his manners.

The big son of Home Affairs arrived at that second start on the fresh side, having won a jump-out since a debut victory at Cranbourne on December 27, which was a soft win considering he covered ground.

He should get every chance to settle from a soft draw in a bigger field and, while it is a very open Blue Diamond Stakes, Guest House appears one of the more talented juveniles in the lineup.
2026 Blue Diamond Stakes Next Best Bet - Closer To Free

There is a lean towards the colts and geldings from the Blue Diamond Preludes, and taking out that key lead-up event was Closer To Free on debut.

After settling outside a leader who dropped out quickly, he appeared vulnerable at the 200m but relished the fight.

If anything, the Danny O’Brien-trained colt was pulling away late from both Guest House and Eternal Warrior.

The latter had taken out the Merson Cooper on debut before a spell, which is often a strong form reference going forward.

The stable is in good touch, with Sass Appeal producing an impressive stakes win at Flemington last Saturday, while Sea What I See almost made it a double in the Tressady Stakes.
2026 Blue Diamond Stakes Value Bet - Alibaba

One of the biggest drifters in the market following the barrier draw has been Alibaba and, while the wide alley is not ideal, it is not the end of the world from the one-turn sprint chute at Caulfield.

In the past 20 years, Nadeem, Star Witness, Earthquake, Extreme Choice, Catchy, Written By and Hayasugi have all overcome double-digit barriers to win the Blue Diamond Stakes.

Alibaba was somewhat unlucky as a notable market drifter on debut in the Merson Cooper.

He returned in January to win a Blue Diamond Preview before contesting the Inglis Millennium.

Alibaba would have won that Randwick feature with even luck, having been badly held up at key stages.

2026 Blue Diamond Stakes - Field & Odds


No.HorseTrainerJockeyBarrierWeightOdds
1Unit FiveCiaron MaherThomas Stockdale1157kg$5.80
2AlibabaKen & Kasey KeysCraig Newitt1757kg$21
3Closer To FreeDanny O'BrienMichael Dee957kg$8.50
4Big SkyMick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Jordan Childs557kg$4.80
5Guest HouseMick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Jamie Melham357kg$5.50
6Eternal WarriorLloyd KennewellDamian Lane1657kg$13
7Milsons PointCiaron MaherBen Allen1057kg$34
8EurocantoBen, Will & JD HayesLuke Currie1857kg$61
9ZambalesAnthony & Sam FreedmanJamie Mott857kg$16
10Invincible SonRobbie GriffithsWilliam Pike1357kg$51
11Ghana's AkanCiaron MaherEthan Brown755kg$15
12StreisandClinton McDonaldBen Melham1255kg$12
13Torture (NZL)Ben, Will & JD HayesCeline Gaudray2055kg$61
14Lady MoscatoGai Waterhouse & Adrian BottJye McNeil255kg$16
15I Am AriaMark WalkerCraig Williams655kg$23
16ChayanAnnabel & Rob ArchibaldLachlan Neindorf1555kg$26
17eStretan RulerPhillip StokesBeau Mertens1957kg$51
18eAlmost An AngelRobbie Griffiths
1455kg$91
19eTough RomanceTony & Calvin McEvoyHarry Coffey457kg$51
20eJacarandaBen, Will & JD Hayes
155kg$26

Odds courtesy of BetRight & correct on 18/02/2026.

Verdict

Our tips for the 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes are:

Best Bet1: Guest House To Win $5.50 at Bet Right - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Closer To Free To Win $8.50 at Bet Right - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Alibaba Each Way $21.00 at Bet Right - 1 Unit
Guest House
To Win
$5.50 - 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
Closer To Free
To Win
$8.50 - 1 Unit
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
Alibaba
Each Way
$21.00 - 1 Unit
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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Betting Slip | 21 Feb 2026

Blue Diamond Stakes

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