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The Race History of Ted Van Heemst Stakes run at Ascot on Saturday shows it as the WFA lead up to the Perth Cup.
Cats Fun did that double 12 years ago. Will the 2019 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday provide it again?
2019 TED VAN HEEMST STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Ted Van Heemst Stakes is a Group 2 race run under Weights For Age conditions for the stayers at Ascot conducted by Perth Racing.
The Ted Van Heemst Stakes is run over 2100m. It was first run in 1914 and was won by Radnor.
Most runnings of the Ted Van Heemst Stakes have been at 2400m but since 2008 has been at 2100m.
This is mainly because of the reduction of the Perth Cup to 2400m. It is the obvious lead up race.
The Ted Van Heemst Stakes was a Principal race to 1979 then was Group 2 afterwards.
Originally called the Grandstand Plate, it became the CB Cox Stakes in 1920 until being re-named the Ted Van Heemst Stakes in 2016.
There have been numerous winners of the Ted Van Heemst Stakes/Perth Cup double including Delicacy, Lords Ransom and Cats Fun in the last 20 years.
2017 saw Pounamu back up his Kingston Town Classic win by winning this race by a head.
Galaxy Star took out the 2018 race after winning the Railway two runs earlier.
In 1972 Piping Lane won the Melbourne Cup at 40-1 then went to Perth and won this race before being beaten in the Perth Cup.
2003 running was at Belmont racecourse.
The Ted Van Heemst Stakes is worth $250,000 in 2019.
Notable winners of the Ted Van Heemst Stakes include Galaxy Star (2018), Pounamu (2017), Perfect Reflection (2016), Delicacy (2015), Elite Belle (2014), Ihtsahymn (2013), Mr Moet (2012), God Has Spoken (2011), Gilded Venom (2008), Cats Fun (2007), Old Cobber (1997/1999), Dark Ksar (1995), Palatious (1993), Mirror Magic (1991), Ideal Centreman (1990), Tawriffic (1989), Saratov (1988), Brechin Castle (1981), Battle Heights (1974), Piping Lane (1972), Jolly Aster (1969), England's Dust (1960), Gay Balkan (1939/1940), Hyperion (1935), Maple (1927/1928), Eurythmic (1920) and New Tipperary (1919).
The 2018 Ted Van Heemst Stakes was won by Galaxy Star from Gatting and Perfect Jewel.