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Chairman’s Stakes 2026 Betting Tips - Are the First Starters a Danger to Big Sky?

alex-marsh
Editor
Last updated: Wed 28 Jan 2026 07:15

The 2026 Chairman's Stakes at Caulfield on January 31 features a compact but competitive field of two-year-olds, serving as an essential form guide for upcoming autumn races. Big Sky, ridden by Ben Melham, is the favored runner after showcasing a remarkable performance at Flemington. Meanwhile, La Gitana is a value bet, bred to perform early and boasting a solid pedigree. Punters can access Group 1 futures markets and detailed race analysis to make informed betting decisions. The article recommends betting on Big Sky to win and considering La Gitana as an each-way option.

Alex Marsh 28 Jan 2026
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  • Big Sky is the favourite for the 2026 Chairman's Stakes after an impressive debut
  • La Gitana offers value with a strong pedigree and recent jump-out wins
  • Race serves as a vital form guide for upcoming autumn features
Expired
Will Big Sky go back-to-back? (Getty)

The Chairman’s Stakes is run at Caulfield on Saturday, January 31, bringing together a compact but talented field of two-year-olds at a key point of the juvenile season.

This Group 3 shapes as an important form reference for the autumn features, and punters can also track the wider picture by checking the Group 1 Futures Markets alongside the Caulfield analysis.

2026 Chairman's Stakes Tips


2026 Chairman's Stakes Best Bet - Big Sky

Big Sky raced keenly through the early and middle stages but was clearly the horse you wanted to be on in the opener at Flemington on January 17.

All rivals were under pressure behind the son of Bivouac, who travelled strongly outside the leader throughout.

He quickened nicely when asked at the 200m, showing a sharp turn-of-foot to put the race to bed.

While juveniles can be hard to gauge and can go off the boil quickly, there should be natural improvement to come off that debut.

Ben Melham takes the ride, having partnered two of the past three winners of this race, and he has barrier two at his disposal.
2026 Chairman's Stakes Value Bet - La Gitana

La Gitana is bred to go fast and early, being by Home Affairs and out of Hips Don't Lie, a three-time stakes winner.

She is also a half-sister to Ennis Hill, who won this feature back in 2018.

Home Affairs has been one of the leading first-season sires in Australia, with the Hayes stable already producing Jacaranda from his first crop.

That filly entered Blue Diamond Stakes contention following a dominant Seymour win on January 15.

La Gitana was up early in the season before being given more time and has returned sharp, leading throughout to comfortably win a pair of Pakenham jump-outs.

2026 Chairman's Stakes Field & Odds


No.HorseTrainerJockeyBarrierWeightOdds
1Big SkyMick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Ben Melham259kg$1.90
2Invincible SonRobbie GriffithsJamie Melham157kg$10
3Captive RockSimon ZahraThomas Stockdale557kg$51
4Lady Of FivePeter & Will HulbertAdin Thompson655kg$11
5MiradorBen, Will & JD HayesLuke Currie955kg$9
6Expensive TasteTony & Calvin McEvoyHarry Coffey355kg$19
7JadziaGrahame BeggJordan Childs755kg$4.40
8La GitanaBen, Will & JD HayesDamian Lane455kg$10
9Orchid SkyPatrick KearneyMichael Dee855kg$101

Odds courtesy of BetRight & correct on 28/01/2026.

Verdict

Our tips for the 2026 Chairman's Stakes are:

Best Bet1: Big Sky To Win $1.90 at Bet Right - 5 Units
Best Bet2: La Gitana Each Way $10.00 at Bet Right - 2 Units
Big Sky
To Win
$1.90 - 5 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
La Gitana
Each Way
$10.00 - 2 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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Betting Slip | 31 Jan 2026

Chairman's Stakes

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