Sangster Stakes 2026 Runner-by-Runner Preview: Every runner assessed at Morphettville

The Group 1 Sangster Stakes shapes as a deep and competitive edition this year, with a mix of proven top-level performers and emerging sprinting mares all bringing different form lines into the race. With barriers, tempo and track pattern all likely to play key roles, there looks to be genuine opportunities both at the top of the market and at value.

Mitch Lewis has assessed every runner in the field, outlining their chances and how the race may unfold.

(1) Skybird – T: M Freedman J: J Allen
The highest rated runner in this race, she hit the line impressively in the T J Smith last start which is a much stronger race than this. The wide barrier isn’t a huge concern as she will likely be back in the run anyway, but she will need an even track and there would be more confidence if the track was wet.

(2) Charm Stone – T: M Price & M Kent Jnr J: M Zahra
Was the winner of this race last year and went on to win another Group 1 sprint in spring. She has had one run this prep when she ran within 1L of Jigsaw in the William Reid Stakes at Caulfield, which reads as good form for this. The wide barrier perhaps isn’t ideal but if she can get out quickly and cross, she looks a chance to find a good position given there appears to be a lack of early speed.

(3) Generosity – T: C Waller J: J McDonald
Kicked off this campaign winning the Group 2 Challenge Stakes before a luckless run in The Galaxy last time out when wide with no cover. How she hit the line there suggests stepping up to 1200m will suit. The risk is barrier 1 and she can be slow away, but backing James McDonald to be positive and use that to her advantage to settle in a good position.

(4) Benedetta – T: C Maher J: J Melham
Group level proven sprinter who has won The Goodwood at this track before. She has finished midfield in her last two runs but her performances have been better than the finishing positions suggest. Suited back to fillies and mares grade and can improve, gets a good run from barrier 3.

(5) Super Smink – T: D Morton J: C Williams
Looks well placed after a huge first-up win in the Irwin Stakes over 1100m. Through her career she has had a better record second-up and over more distance, so stepping up to 1200m looks ideal. If she improves off that first-up run, she can produce a career peak and be a winning chance at good value.

(6) Bridal Waltz – T: P Moody & K Coleman J: B Melham
Was caught wide in The Galaxy and appeared to tire late to finish midfield. She looks one of the key speed influences and may take control of the race out in front. If the track favours on-speed runners she will be in a strong position and can improve enough to be an each-way chance.

(7) Flying For Fun – T: B Heys J: Z Lloyd
Won well two starts back before a tough run last time out. She needs to find sharp improvement off that performance and maps awkwardly from barrier 10. May find herself back in the field looking for runs if she is slow away again.

(9) Stretan Angel – T: P Stokes J: L Neindorf
Can mix her form but at her best is competitive in a race like this. Drawn low and the blinkers go back on, suggesting she may be ridden positively to settle forward. That gives her a chance and she can figure at value if she shows up.

(10) She’s Bulletproof – T: C Littlefield J: J Opperman
Consistent performer who is suited rising back to 1200m where she has a strong record. She needs to find a career peak to win and the wide barrier risks her landing in an awkward position. Happy to risk.

(11) Ameena – T: A & S Freedman J: T Pannell
Resumes from a spell. Ran well first-up into this race last year when finishing second and then performed strongly in The Goodwood. Since then she hasn’t quite reached that level, so needs improvement, but returning fresh may help her find it.

(12) Geegees Mistruth – T: M Walker J: J Childs
Likely needs a career peak to be a winning chance. Her form has been mixed since issues at Caulfield in the Oakleigh Plate. Barrier 5 may give her a softer run than some, but hard to trust on recent performances.

(13) Ahha Ahha – T: C McDonald J: L Nolen
Can mix her form but generally consistent. Produced a career peak winning the Group 3 Matron Stakes last start over 1600m. Back to 1200m here and while she has won at the trip, she may find some of these too sharp.

(14) Bossy Benita – T: M Mehegan J: B Egan
One of the few runners likely to push forward and lead. If she finds the front and the track suits speed, she gets her chance, especially if able to run cheap sectionals through the middle stages.

(16) My Gladiola – T: J McArdle J: J Mott
Brings strong form, including a close second to sprint star Tentyris. Disappointed last start in the VRC Sprint Classic but may not have handled the wet track. Looked better winning a recent trial and can improve in better conditions, though she is deep into the preparation and this may be an afterthought.

(17) Point Barrow – T: A & S Freedman J: D Stackhouse