Autumn Classic
The Autumn Classic is a Group 2 race for three-year-olds that takes place late February at Caulfield racecourse in Melbourne during the Melbourne autumn racing carnival. The race is run over a distance of 1800 metres and has prize money of $200,000. The 2020 Autumn Classic was won by Adelaide Ace from Nonconformist with Legion Of Merit third.
Taking place on the Melbourne Racing Club's major race day of the autumn, Blue Diamond Stakes day, the Autumn Classic is held alongside the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, Group 1 Futurity Stakes and Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
Autumn Classic info
| Date: | Saturday 20th February 2021 |
| Track: | Caulfield racecourse, Melbourne |
| Distance: | 1800 metres |
| Race Type: | 3yo - Set Weights |
| Status: | Group 2 |
| Prize Money: | $200,000 |
| 2020 Winner: | Adelaide Ace |
The Autumn Classic is a handy race for three-year-olds that tends to attract above average types and gives them the chance to race over further than a mile in the autumn. The race will usually attract competitors that may head on to a race like the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley in March. Global Exchange (2019) is the last winner of the Autumn Classic & Alister Clark Stakes double.
The better 3yo gallopers might head north to the Sydney autumn racing carnival for the big prize money on offer against their own age, or they may consider tackling stronger class open races over 2000m like the Group 1 Australian Cup in March or the Group 3 Easter Cup in April.
Over the years some quality types have won this race, including Elvstroem (2004), Dignity Dancer (1999), Triscay (1991) and Stylish Century (1990). In recent times the Autumn Classic has been taken out by more than handy types rather than the elite and typically the winner will just be an above average three-year-old.
Adelaide Ace (2020) ran third in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield before leading his rivals a merry dance to win this event in smart style for the Lyndsey Smith stable.
Recent Autumn Classic winners include Global Exchange (2019) and Valiant Spirit (2018)..
2020 Autumn Classic result
1. $2.50 Adelaide Ace 57.0 John Allen
2. $5.50 Nonconformist 57.0 Jordan Childs
3. $21.00 Legion Of Merit 57.0 Billy Egan
then followed
4. $26.00 Influential Jack 57.0 Damian Lane
5. $10.00 Think 'n' Fly 57.0 Mark Zahra
6. $26.00 Hi Stranger 57.0 Jye McNeil
7. $18.00 Rebel Racer 57.0 Craig Williams
8. $3.60 Miami Bound 55.0 Damien Oliver
9. $41.00 Antagoniser 57.0 Dean Yendall
Margins: 1.25 len, 3 len
Time: 1:48.96
Other group races on Blue Diamond Stakes day include the Group 2 St George Stakes, Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes & Group 3 Mannerism Stakes.
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Autumn Classic winners & placegetters
| Year | Winner | 2nd | 3rd | Time |
| 2020 | Adelaide Ace | Nonconformist | Legion Of Merit | 1:48.9 |
| 2019 | Global Exchange | Cossetot | Aramayo | 1:48.7 |
| 2018 | Valiant Spirit | Astoria | Mr So And So | 1:49.4 |
| 2017 | Farson | Cliff Hanger | Captain Rhett | 1:49.4 |
| 2016 | Tally | Flying Light | Top Ravine | 1:49.1 |
| 2015 | Alpine Eagle | Minnesinger | Firehouse Rock | 1:48.4 |
| 2014 | Vilanova | Countersnip | Alpha Beat | 1:51.0 |
| 2013 | Super Cool | Fiveandahalfstar | Subiaso | 1:49.8 |
| 2012 | Upbeat | Flashy Fella | Ethiopia | 1:50.0 |
| 2011 | Folding Gear | Elusive King | Almindoro | 1:48.1 |
| 2010 | Extra Zero | Absolute Faith | Money Rocks | 1:50.6 |
| 2009 | Stokehouse | Excelltastic | Zapurple | 1:49.7 |
| 2008 | Brom Brom | Allanthus | Buca Di Bacco | 1:51.4 |
| 2007 | Ambitious General | Danever | Furio | 1:48.9 |
| 2006 | Spinney | Silver Ninja | Cinderella Man | 1:48.1 |
| 2005 | Renewable | Stella Grande | Dizelle | 1:50.1 |
| 2004 | Elvstroem | Delzao | Strafed | 1:49.1 |
| 2003 | Natural Blitz | Glefti | Gallic | 1:49.4 |
| 2002 | Don Eduardo | Royal Code | All Courage | 1:49.4 |
| 2001 | Fubu | Neptunes Journey | Inspire | 1:47.5 |
| 2000 | Pins | Oval Office | Crawl | 1:50.6 |
| 1999 | Dignity Dancer | Danske | Mossman | 1:47.5 |
| 1998 | Gold Guru | El Mirada | Zonda | 1:48.9 |
| 1997 | Silver Glade | Joegah | Tampir Lane | 1:50.9 |
| 1996 | Iron Horse | Scenic Royale | Video Prince | 1:49.3 |
| 1995 | Hurricane Sky | St Covet | Baryshnikov | 1:49.5 |
| 1994 | Waikikamukau | Mapperleys Star | Sari Club | 1:47.3 |
| 1993 | Redding | Air Seattle | Imposing Bull | 1:49.0 |
| 1992 | Laranto | Famous Nick | Ready To Explore | 1:49.8 |
| 1991 | Triscay | Durbridge | My Eagle Eye | 1:48.4 |
| 1990 | Stylish Century | Zabeel | Western Frontier | 1:48.2 |
| 1989 | Kings High | Livistona Lane | Outgun | 1:47.7 |
| 1988 | Mr Danamite | Lygon Arms | Spacecraft | 1:55.9 |
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