The Sandown Classic is a Group 2 event run over a distance of 2400 metres at weight for age conditions, carrying prize money of $400,000. It is held a week after the completion of the Flemington spring carnival and attracts middle tier stayers who may of avoided the stronger Group 1 races. It is held at Sandown racecourse in Melbourne, the same day as the Group 2 Sandown Guineas.
It was first run in 1888 when it was known as the Sandown Cup over a distance of 2200 metres. It has since been changed to 2400 metres and was renamed to the Sandown Classic in 1999. It has been won by some fabulous horses over the years, including Zipping (2007-08), Roman Arch (2005), Sky Heights (2001) and Stylish Century (1991) more recently.
Runners for the Sandown Classic will usually come from races such as the Moonee Valley Cup or the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and they are a great indication of form. The Sportsman won this year’s Moonee Valley Cup ahead of Irazu and Think Money, while the Queen Elizabeth was taken out by Sterling Prince ahead of Crossthestarts and Naval Escort.
| Year | Winner | Track | Time | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Zipping | Good | 2:32.29 | R Hickmott | M Rodd |
| 2008 | Zipping | Dead | 2:35.05 | J Sadler | M Rodd |
| 2007 | Zipping | Good | 2:33.72 | J Sadler | S Arnold |
| 2006 | Gallant Guru | Good | 2:30.87 | L Freedman | S Arnold |
| 2005 | Roman Arch | Dead | 2:33.75 | R Laing | N Callow |
| 2004 | Count Ricardo | Heavy | 2:37.94 | S Theodore | B Shinn |
| 2003 | Legible | Good | 2:29.83 | B Marzato | D Nikolic |
| 2002 | Hail | Good | 2:27.91 | B Marsh | G Childs |
| 2001 | Sky Heights | Good | 2:28.35 | C Alderson | D Oliver |
| 2000 | Brave Chief | Good | 2:24.31 | J Ledger | P Payne |
| 1999 | Aerosmith | Good | 2:30.30 | P Hurdle | G Childs |