The Coolmore Stud Stakes is a the highlight race for three-year-old sprinters during the spring carnival. Since 2006, it has been held on Victoria Derby Day, and is arguably only pipped by the Derby itself as the best and highest quality race on the day.

Aside from providing an indication of the best colts and fillies in the land, the Coolmore Stud Stakes is a great betting race. This is because the race usually contains a mix of out and out sprinters, as well fillies and colts who typically run over a longer distance. It is not uncommon to see these horses flashing home from the clock tower, with their superior fitness proving dividends.

Because of all the different form lines coming in, it's generally a tough race to sort out who the favourite is. The last three editions would've pleased punters who love laying the first two or three favourites, with horses in double figure odds winning each time. 

The 1,200 metres up the Flemington straight is unique in Australian racing, as it features no turns. Just a long, straight run that often sees the anomaly of the field of horses splitting, half going to towards the running rail, and the other half coming to the grandstand side.

However, hard luck stories can still emerge, especially as a large field regularly lines up to contest the $1.5 million prize purse.