Caulfield Classic

The Caulfield Classic is a Group 3 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year olds at Caulfield conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Caulfield Classic is run over 2000m. It was first run in 1971 and was won by Haarle.

It has been basically at the 2000m all the way through.

The Caulfield Classic had been a Listed race until 1998, Group 3 for two years then Group 2 from 2000 to 2004 but back to Group 3 from 2005.

Many three year olds use the Caulfield Classic as a Derby and/or Oaks lead up. However only five have done the double – Polanski, Amalfi, Blackfriars, Nothin' Leica Dane and Omnicorp.

This race was previously the Norman Robinson Stakes named after the former VATC Chairman and is a Victoria Derby lead up.

Casual Pass in 2003 went on to win the Mackinnon Stakes rather than head to the Derby.

The Caulfield Classic was worth $200,000 in 2023.

Notable winners of the Caulfield Classic include Mr Maestro (2022), Polanski (2013), Retrieve (2010), Shamoline Warrior (2009), Pendragon (2005), Casual Pass (2003), Platinum Scissors (2002), Amalfi (2001), Blackfriars (1999), Nothin' Leica Dane (1995), Omnicorp (1987), Born To Be Queen (1985) and Society Beau (1978).

The 2023 Caulfield Classic was won by Sunsets from Riff Rocket and Gates.