Naturalism Stakes

Naturalism Stakes
Group 3 race
Location	Caulfield Racecourse
Inaugurated	1983 (Principal race as VATC Royal Show Handicap)
Race type	Thoroughbred
Sponsor	Jack London (2014)
Race information
Distance	2,000 metres
Surface	Turf
Weight	open handicap
Purse	$150,000 (2014)

The Naturalism Stakes is a Melbourne Racing Club Group 3 Australian Thoroughbred open handicap horse race, over a distance of 2000 metres. It is held annually at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne in September. Total prize money for the race is A$150,000.^[1]

Race history

The race is named after Naturalism, who won the 1993 Caulfield Stakes. The Naturalism Stakes is a good for guide to high profile races later in the season, including the Caulfield Cup and the prestigious W S Cox Plate. ^[2]

Race grade

The race was upgraded from a Listed race to Group 3 in 2009.

Race name

The Naturalism Stakes was originally known as the VATC Royal Show Handicap from 1983 to 1993. It changed name to the VATC Naturalism Stakes in 1995, although was known as the MRC Emirates Airlines Stakes in 2002, the MRC Carnival Stakes in 2003, the MRC Dubai Duty Free Stakes in 2004, and the MRC Nad Al Sheba Club Classic in 2005. It changed back to the MRC Naturalism Stakes in 2006, with this name being used ever since.^[2]

The winners

2014 Gris Caro
2013 Mr O'Ceirin ^[3]
2012 Folding Gear ^[4]
2011 December Draw ^[5]
2010 Rainbow Styling ^[6]
2009 Red Lord ^[7]
2008 Zagreb ^[8]
2007 Douro Valley ^[9]
2006 Zipping ^[10]
2005 Sarrera ^[11]
2004 Confectioner
2003 Rose Archway
2002 Pentastic
2001 Inaflury
2000 Celestial Show
1999 Second Coming
1998 Our Unicorn
1997 Skybeau
1996 Peep On The Sly
1995 Campaign Warrior
1994 Top Rating
1993 Golden Serpent
1992 Three Pals
1991 Newbury Star
1990 Just A Dancer
1989 Tiendi
1988 Ebeli Show
1987 Tristram
1986 Sea Legend
1985 Top Banner
1984 Mapperley Heights
1983 Mevron Boy

References