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William Reid Stakes 2026 Betting Tips - Do the Breaks Come for Jimmysstar?

alex-marsh
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Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026 16:30

The 2026 Group 1 William Reid Stakes will take place at Caulfield on March 21 due to improvements at Moonee Valley. Jimmysstar is the favorite with promising odds of $2.30, known for its consistent top-level performances in 2025. The William Reid Stakes is a prestigious event in the Melbourne Autumn Carnival, showcasing elite racing talent over 1200 meters. This year's event promises excitement with Jimmysstar’s excellent form and strong competition from horses like Baraqiel, making it a must-watch for racing enthusiasts.

Alex Marsh 19 Mar 2026
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  • The 2026 William Reid Stakes will be held at Caulfield on March 21, moved due to renovations at Moonee Valley
  • Jimmysstar, with odds of $2.30, is a strong contender owing to its impressive record in 2025
  • Baraqiel, a significant challenger, pass mark in the Black Caviar Lightning and is much better suited around a bend
Expired
Jimmysstar saluting in the 2025 Oakleigh Plate. (Getty)

The Group 1 William Reid Stakes will be contested on Saturday, March 21, with the 1200m feature set to be run at Caulfield due to renovations at Moonee Valley.

Traditionally staged at The Valley, the William Reid Stakes is the only 1200m weight-for-age Group 1 of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival, following key lead-ups such as the Lightning Stakes and Oakleigh Plate.

At $2.30 with Dabble, Jimmysstar heads the market for the 2026 William Reid Stakes.

2026 William Reid Stakes Tips


2026 William Reid Stakes Best Bet - Jimmysstar

Jimmysstar was one of the more consistent top-level performers in Australia throughout 2025, with three Group 1 wins.

Two of those major triumphs came at Caulfield, including the Oakleigh Plate first-up in February, where the gelding saluted against the pattern of that meeting.

He has an excellent fresh record with five wins and a placing from seven attempts.

This has been set as a target race early in the campaign and he comes here off sharp jump-out victories at Cranbourne

From a low draw he will need the breaks, but if they come he looks clearly the one to beat.
2026 William Reid Stakes Value Bet - Baraqiel

Baraqiel was solid in the Black Caviar Lightning up the straight on resumption, finishing fourth behind a trifecta who settled behind him.

He is not a straight-track horse, so there was merit in the run.

The seven-year-old has completed two jump-outs since that February return and is unbeaten second-up, including a Group 1 win in the Moir Stakes last prep.

His record around the bends is strong, with eight wins and two placings from 10 tries, the latest a second at Group 1 level.

With options from barrier five under Ben Allen, Baraqiel looks one of the main threats to Jimmysstar.

2026 William Reid Stakes - Field & Odds


No.HorseTrainerJockeyBarrierWeightOdds
1Jimmysstar (NZ)Ciaron MaherMark Zahra158.5kg$2.30
2JigsawCindy AldersonLogan Bates (a)1158.5kg$6
3Rey MagnerioRobbie GriffithsWilliam Pike758.5kg$18
4Angel CapitalChris WallerJye McNeil658.5kg$10
5BaraqielLeon & Troy Corstens & Will LarkinBen Allen558.5kg$8.50
6AirmanMichael, John & Wayne HawkesJohn Allen958.5kg$126
7TropicusAnthony & Sam FreedmanJamie Mott258.5kg$6.50
8Magic TimeGrahame BeggMichael Dee1056.5kg$14
9Charm StoneMick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Thomas Stockdale356.5kg$17
10BenedettaCiaron MaherDaniel Stackhouse456.5kg$18
11Devil NightMichael, John & Wayne HawkesBeau Mertens856kg$51

Odds provided by Dabble & correct on 19/03/2026.

Verdict

Our tips for the 2026 William Reid Stakes are:

Best Bet1: Jimmysstar To Win $2.30 at dabble - 7 Units
Best Bet2: Baraqiel Each Way $8.50 at dabble - 3 Units
Jimmysstar
To Win
$2.30 - 7 Units
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble
Baraqiel
Each Way
$8.50 - 3 Units
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

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William Reid Stakes