Missile Stakes

The Missile Stakes is a Group 2 race run under Set Weights and Penalties conditions for open sprinters conducted by the Australian Turf Club.

The Missile Stakes is run over 1200m and is the first group race of the season in Sydney.

It was first run in 1978 and won by Idol.

The Missile Stakes has been run over shorter than 1200m until 2010. It was predominantly at Rosehill (1978-2011) but then at Warwick Farm in 2012 before moving to Randwick. It was back at Rosehill in 2019. They ran the 2021 edition at Randwick due to coronavirus protocol restrictions and stayed there.

The Missile Stakes was a Group 3 race from 1980 until it became G2 in 2014.

It was always a WFA conditions but became a Set Weights and Penalties race from 2020.

The 1984 Missile Stakes was run with a flag start and was won by Plus Vite at 100-1.

The race was previously run at the end of the season allowing two year olds to run. Commands won as a juvenile.

Pompeii and Teasing were the only mares to win since 1994 before Sweet Idea and then Tycoon Tara plus Invincible Gem, Alizee and I Am Me. Ironically Klokka and Joanne won the four runnings from 1991 onwards.

Lonhro ran in consecutive Missile Stakes in 2001 and 2002 but because of the dates, one was as a 2yo and one was as a 4yo.

The 2022 edition was notable for the upset as a 70-1 shot Hard Empire beat home 25-1, 15-1 and 20-1 outsiders.

The 2023 Missile Stakes was run for prizemoney of $300,000.

Notable winners of the Missile Stakes include Eduardo (2020), Alizee (2019), Pierata (2018), Tycoon Tara (2016), Sweet Idea (2014), Rain Affair (2011), Love Conquers All (2010), Dance Hero (2005), Spark Of Life (2004), Lonhro (2002), Commands (1999), Guineas (1997), Klokka (1993/1994), Joanne (1991/1992), Potrero (1990), Campaign King (1987/1988), Row Of Waves (1985) and Razor Sharp (1982).

The 2023 Missile Stakes was won by I Am Me from Dragonstone and Deepour.