Northerly Stakes 2026 Betting Odds - Cosmic Crusader Chases Back-to-Back Wins
Cosmic Crusader is the early favourite for the 2026 Northerly Stakes at Ascot on 5 December, aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since Playing God. The Andrea Leek-trained gelding comes off a strong Melbourne spring, highlighted by a Group 1 Cox Plate win and a runner-up finish in the Champions Stakes. Buckaroo, with a Group 1 Underwood Stakes win, and Pride Of Jenni, a Feehan Stakes winner, are key rivals. However, Cosmic Crusader’s proven Group 1 credentials and previous Northerly Stakes victory make him the standout selection in the current market.
- Defending champion Cosmic Crusader is favourite to claim consecutive Northerly Stakes victories following a stellar Melbourne spring
- Buckaroo and Pride Of Jenni bring proven Group 1 credentials, while rising WA stars Beatty and King Of Light add depth to the market
- Ascot hosts the $1.5 million weight-for-age feature on December 5, with a strong interstate challenge looming for the local contenders
Cosmic Crusader winning the 2026 Cox Plate. (Getty)
Cosmic Crusader heads the 2026 Northerly Stakes betting market at $3 with EliteBet, as the defending champion targets another victory in the $1.5 million Group 1 over 1800m at Ascot on December 5.
The Andrea Leek-trained gelding enjoyed an outstanding Melbourne spring, winning the Group 1 Cox Plate before finishing runner-up to Birdman in the Champions Stakes.
Cosmic Crusader defeated Watch Me Rock in last year's Northerly Stakes and has the credentials to claim consecutive victories.
Buckaroo is the $4 second favourite following a spring campaign highlighted by victory in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding finished third behind Autumn Glow in the Champions Mile at Flemington on November 7, with his proven weight-for-age form making him a serious contender.
Pride Of Jenni sits at $5 after claiming her third Feehan Stakes at Caulfield in September, defeating Treasurethe Moment by 1.5 lengths.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare subsequently had her spring campaign disrupted by cellulitis, but her trademark front-running style could prove influential should she take her place.
Beatty is prominent at $6 following victory in the Listed Fairetha Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on November 7.
The exciting three-year-old faces a significant challenge stepping up in distance and class, although his emergence among Western Australia's leading young gallopers makes him one to watch.
King Of Light shares the $6 quote after extending his outstanding record to eight wins from nine starts with victory in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes at Ascot.
Unbeaten in three appearances this preparation, the Daniel Morton-trained four-year-old shapes as a major local threat if he progresses to the 1800m Group 1.
Northerly Stakes 2026 Betting Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cosmic Crusader | $3.00 |
| Buckaroo | $4.00 |
| Pride Of Jenni | $5.00 |
| Beatty | $6.00 |
| King Of Light | $6.00 |
| Pericles | $11.00 |
| Rock Fest | $11.00 |
| Tom Kitten | $11.00 |
| Zambardo | $11.00 |
| Another Wil | $15.00 |
| Declichy Boulevard | $15.00 |
| Evaporate | $15.00 |
| Gods Window | $15.00 |
| Hot And High | $15.00 |
| Profit Motive | $15.00 |
| Roger | $15.00 |
| Watch Me Rock | $15.00 |
| Western Empire | $15.00 |
| Others | $26.00+ |
Odds from EliteBet & correct on 09/11/2026.
Northerly Stakes History
First run in 1976, the Northerly Stakes has undergone several name changes throughout its history, most notably carrying the Kingston Town Classic title from 2007 to 2021 before being renamed in honour of nine-time Group 1 winner Northerly — widely regarded as one of the greatest horses ever produced in Western Australia.
Originally known as the Marlboro 50,000, the race attained Group 1 status in 1979 and has developed into one of Perth's most prestigious weight-for-age contests, traditionally staged over 1800m at Ascot.
Its honour roll features some of Australian racing's most celebrated champions, including Kingston Town (1982), Vo Rogue (1988) and Better Loosen Up (1989), while Arcadia Queen (2018) and Regal Power (2021) are among the notable modern winners.
Five horses have won the race twice, including Family Of Man (1976, 1978), Summer Beau (1996, 1997), Old Comrade (2000, 2001), Niconero (2006, 2008) and Playing God (2010, 2011).
The race has also provided a platform for emerging stars, with Amelia's Jewel winning as a three-year-old filly in 2022, followed by Dom To Shoot (2023) and Light Infantry Man (2024).
Cosmic Crusader added his name to the honour roll in 2025, defeating Watch Me Rock and Western Empire to claim the $1.5 million feature, and will be attempting to become the first back-to-back winner since Playing God in 2010 and 2011.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
09 November 2026
- Cameron Norrie vs James Duckworth -
- Tennis
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Karolina Muchova -
- Tennis
- Mirra Andreeva vs Elina Svitolina -
- Tennis
10 November 2026
- Queanbeyan - November 10 -
- Horse Racing
- Mornington- November 10 -
- Horse Racing
14 November 2026
- CF Orr Stakes -
- Horse Racing
Load More
