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Many an upset has occurred in the Cantala Stakes run at Flemington on Saturday.
Tears I Cry was one at huge odds to take it out and the 2020 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday shapes as a wide race.
2020 Cantala Stakes: Nominations
2020 CANTALA STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Cantala Stakes is a Group 1 race run under handicap conditions for milers at Flemington conducted by the Victoria Racing Club.
The Cantala Stakes is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1881 and was won by Courtenay.
In the early years the event was over 1800m but for over 100 years it has been over the mile.
The Cantala Stakes was a Principal Race until 1979 then Group 1.
The race is registered as the Cantala Stakes but has had many name changes over the years.
In a carnival switch, the 2016 version was moved from the final day to Derby day and swapped with the Mackinnon Stakes, designed to get Cox Plate horses to run in the 2000m race.
Last mare to win the race before Shillelagh was Divine Madonna in 2006.
Horse's form lines entering this come from varies sources such as the Cox Plate, Crystal Mile, Epsom and Myer Classic.
Those to have won the race on multiple occasions include Seascay (1994/1995), Aquanita (1960/1961), Amounis (1926/1929) and Iolaire (1907/1908).
Lindsay Park won it five times in a row from 1992 to 1996.
Usually it is a very fast run race so wider barriers have not been a major issue.
Testa Rossa win with 59kg in 2000 is the biggest weight to win since Family of Man in 1978.
Plenty of roughies are competitive such as in 2007 when Tears I Cry ($101) beat Bird Dancer ($101) and Shinzig ($81).
Fierce Impact did the Toorak/Cantala double in 2019 which was the first time since Magari in 1982.
The Cantala Stakes was worth $1,500,000 in 2020 reduced due to coronavirus cutbacks.
Notable winners of the Cantala Stakes include Fierce Impact (2019), Le Romain (2016), Boban (2013), Happy Trails (2012), All Silent (2008), Divine Madonna (2006), Testa Rossa (2000), Catalan Opening (1997), Primacy (1993), Planet Ruler (1992), Shaftesbury Avenue (1990), Better Loosen Up (1989), Family Of Man (1978), Maybe Mahal (1976), Taj Rossi (1973), Gunsynd (1971), Vain (1969), Storm Queen (1966), Wenona Girl (1963), Aquanita (1960/1961), Amounis (1926/1929) and Violoncello (1922).
The 2019 Cantala Stakes was won by Fierce Impact from Fifty Stars and Cascadian.