The Australian racing season explodes into life this Saturday with the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes 2025 at Caulfield, and all eyes will be on Mr Brightside as he attempts to defend his crown. The reigning champion, boasting a glittering resume and a staggering $17 million in career earnings, is the early favourite to repeat his 2024 victory.

Mr Brightside Wins 2024 Futurity Stakes

Mr Brightside will be hard to beat as the short favourite in Saturday’s 2025 CF Orr field at Caulfield. Ultimate Racing Photos.

Mr Brightside, a true superstar of the turf, boasts an exceptional record at Caulfield, particularly at the 1400-meter distance. His consistent brilliance, highlighted by his dominant performance in last year’s Champions Mile, has cemented his place as one of Australia’s most celebrated racehorses. While the challenge of going back-to-back is undeniable, Mr Brightside’s proven class and impressive first-up record make him a formidable contender to be the first to do so since Typhoon Tracy (2010-11).

He currently sits top of CF Orr Stakes betting online at Ladbrokes at $2.50.

However, this year’s CF Orr Stakes field is far from a one-horse race. Ciaron Maher‘s Another Wil, another consistent performer at Caulfield, emerges as a serious threat. After a narrow defeat in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last spring, Another Wil possesses the class and tactical speed to challenge Mr Brightside. His impressive first-up record, including a dominant victory last August with a big weight in easier company, adds further weight to his claims.

John O’Shea and Tom Charlton‘s Schwarz, a multiple Group 2 winner, is another contender to watch closely. His electrifying first-up victory in the Australia Stakes at The Valley showcased his explosive speed and competitive spirit. While his second-up record may raise some concerns, his recent form is undeniably impressive.

The Chris Waller-trained Private Life, winner of the prestigious Caulfield Guineas last year, adds another dimension to the field. Although his recent form may not be as spectacular, his youthful exuberance and potential for improvement cannot be ignored.

The 2025 CF Orr Stakes promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the pinnacle of Australian racing. With a field of talented horses, including the reigning champion, and a significant prize purse, this Group 1 race is sure to capture the attention of racing enthusiasts across the nation as Caulfield Race 9 at 4:55pm (AEDT).

CF Orr Stakes Field

No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating
1 53x212241x MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) Ben, Will & JD Hayes Craig Williams 8 59kg 119
2 19x51394x5 SOUTHPORT TYCOON Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 2 59kg 112
3 x0x217376x PINSTRIPED Enver Jusufovic Ben Allen 10 59kg 110
4 80×8633322 STEPARTY Paul Preusker Blaike McDougall 4 59kg 103
5 117x11712x ANOTHER WIL Ciaron Maher Ms Jamie Melham 3 59kg 110
6 241x49832x FREEDOM RALLY Tony Gollan Ethan Brown 6 59kg 106
7 2610x1x7x1 SCHWARZ John O’Shea & Tom Charlton Blake Shinn 7 59kg 106
8 23x02450x3 SEMANA Ciaron Maher Thomas Stockdale 9 57kg 108
9 877×321393 SUPER SMINK Daniel Morton John Allen 5 57kg 104
10 41x1415x PRIVATE LIFE Chris Waller Damian Lane 1 55.5kg 109

Table Credit: Racing Australia.


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About The Author

Lucy Henderson

Lucy is an experienced horse racing journalist that has been a crucial member of the horseracing.com.au team for the better part of a decade. She has taken great delight in covering champion mares Black Caviar and Winx throughout their careers and always has a soft spot for a winning filly.