Sandown Stakes

The Sandown Stakes is a Group 3 race run under Quality Handicap conditions for milers at Sandown conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Sandown Stakes is run over 1500m. It was first run in 1981 and was won by Tower Belle.

It has had numerous sponsored name changes but registered as the Sandown Stakes.

Most runnings were at 1400m but it was 1500m (2005/2008 to 2012) and then from 2014 onwards.

The Sandown Stakes was a Listed Race from 1981 to 1983 then Group 3.

Redkirk Warrior was having second run from Hong Kong and after winning the Sandown Stakes, returned to win the Newmarket Handicap first up and take it out again plus the Lightning too in 2018.

2018 winner Fifty Stars would win the Blamey and Ajax Stakes before running fav in the Doncaster Mile of 2019.

Gold Fields scored by a nose in 2019 and it was the last ride for Stephen Baster so he went out on a winning note.

They ran the race at Caulfield in 2013.

The race was moved in 2021 to Underwood Stakes day two months earlier than its usual placement on Zipping Classic day. It was the sole group race on the Sunday after the Grand Final in 2023.

The Sandown Stakes was worth $200,000 in 2023.

Notable winners of the Sandown Stakes include Elephant (2021), Fifty Stars (2018), Redkirk Warrior (2016), Pornichet (2014), Mahisara (2012/2013), Under The Eiffel (2011), Swick (2006), Cut Up Rough (1997), Mamzelle Pedrille (1995), Wrap Around (1991), Procol Harum (1990), Luther's Luck (1987) and New Atlantis (1986).

The 2023 Sandown Stakes was won by Antino from Here To Shock and Superium.