Moonga Stakes

The Moonga Stakes is a Group 3 race run under Set Weights and Penalty conditions for open class horses at Caulfield conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Moonga Stakes is run over 1400m. It was first run in 1982 and was won by Cardinal's Fury.

From the race's inception it was 1400m.

The Moonga Stakes took on Group 3 status in 1994.

The Moonga Stakes is its registered name but has had many name changes over the years including honouring two champions in Vo Rogue and Northerly.

Group 1 quality horses have won this, often on their way to the big mile over the Flemington carnival. Rough Habit used it as a Cox Plate lead up, winning under 62.5kg.

In 2013 Boban won the Epsom, came back in distance to win this then back up to the mile and won the Cantala Stakes.

Streets Of Avalon loved the Caulfield 1400m and he won another one in this race in 2019. He'd win a bigger one the following Autumn in the G1 Futurity Stakes.

The Moonga Stakes was worth $200,000 in 2024.

Notable winners of the Moonga Stakes include Buffalo River (2021/2023), Streets Of Avalon (2019), Voodoo Lad (2016), Lucky Hussler (2014), Boban (2013), Love Conquers All (2011), Perfectly Ready (2006), Thorn Park (2003), Assertive Lad (2002), Flavour (2001), Mamzelle Pedrille (1996), Star Dancer (1994), Rough Habit (1992) and Vo Rogue (1988).

The 2023 Moonga Stakes was won by Buffalo River from Climbing Star and Cause For Concern.