Kingsford-Smith Cup Tips, Best Bets, Field and Odds

The Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) will be run at Eagle Farm on Saturday, May 29 and we provide you with a comprehensive guide to the weight-for-age event.

The Kingsford Smith Cup is a $1 million Group 1 sprint over 1300m at Eagle Farm in late May — one of the highlights of the Brisbane Winter Carnival and the key lead-up to the Stradbroke Handicap. This is our complete guide: the date and start times, the field, tips and best bets, live odds, the form guide, how to watch, past winners and FAQs — updated through the carnival with the latest field, odds and our best bets.

The Kingsford Smith Cup: Key Details

Detail	Value
Race	Kingsford Smith Cup (Group 1, WFA)
Next running	Late May 2027 (confirmed early in the year)
Most recent	Saturday 30 May 2026 — won by Headley Grange
Start time	~4:25pm AEST (confirmed race week)
Venue	Eagle Farm Racecourse, Brisbane
Distance	1300m
Conditions	Group 1, weight-for-age, 3yo & up
Prize money	$1 million
Broadcast	Sky Racing + free bookmaker live streams

 

When is the Kingsford Smith Cup & What Time?

The Kingsford Smith Cup is run in late May at Eagle Farm, a fortnight before the Stradbroke. The most recent edition was 30 May 2026; the next runs in late May 2027, with the feature jumping in the late afternoon (approximately 4:25pm AEST). It’s a winter meeting (no daylight saving) — local start times by state:

State	Local start time
QLD / NSW / VIC / ACT / TAS	~4:25pm AEST
South Australia	~3:55pm ACST
Northern Territory	~3:55pm ACST
Western Australia	~2:25pm AWST

 

The Stradbroke Springboard (and the Old BTC Cup)

If the name has changed on you, you’re right: this race was the long-running BTC Cup before being renamed the Kingsford Smith Cup in 2017. Its biggest role is as the premier lead-up to the Stradbroke Handicap — Think About It won it in 2023 before taking the Stradbroke, and 2026 winner Headley Grange pushed straight into the Stradbroke picture. A weight-for-age sprint at level weights, it’s a true form reference for Queensland’s winter sprinting.

The Kingsford Smith Cup Field & Barrier Draw

The Kingsford Smith Cup draws a big, competitive field of sprinter-milers at weight-for-age, often a “lottery” that goes down to the wire — Headley Grange beat Jimmysstar by a nose in 2026. Over 1300m at Eagle Farm the barrier and tactical speed matter. Check back for the confirmed field and barrier draw.

Kingsford Smith Cup Tips, Best Bets & Predictions

Our tipsters post their Kingsford Smith Cup best bets and value selections once the field and barriers are confirmed. A weight-for-age sprint over 1300m rewards proven Group speed and a fair barrier — and the race regularly rewards each-way value (Headley Grange won at $9 in 2026). Win and each-way are the staples. Bookmark this page for our final selections.

How to Bet on the Kingsford Smith Cup

All the standard markets apply — win and each-way, plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four) that pay well in a competitive sprint. Futures open through the carnival. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available — see our toplist below.

Kingsford Smith Cup Odds & Favourites

Kingsford Smith Cup markets firm through the carnival as the field is confirmed, and it is typically a wide-open sprint — Headley Grange ($9) edged favourite Jimmysstar in a blanket finish in 2026. For live Kingsford Smith Cup odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.

Kingsford Smith Cup Form Guide

The key form lines are the autumn sprints and the early Brisbane winter sprint races, plus southern sprinters heading north. Look for a proven Group sprinter at weight-for-age with a fair gate — and note many use this as their Stradbroke Handicap springboard. It’s a feature of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival alongside the Doomben 10,000.

Kingsford Smith Cup Recent Winners & 2026 Result

The 2026 Kingsford Smith Cup was won by Headley Grange ($9, Joe Pride), narrowly beating Jimmysstar. Recent winners:

Year	Winner	Note
2026	Headley Grange	Beat Jimmysstar by a nose
2025	Joliestar	Mare; later a TJ Smith winner
2024	I Wish I Win
2023	Think About It	Then won the Stradbroke
2022	Apache Chase	Desleigh Forster’s first Group 1
2021	Vega One

 

History & Background

Run as the BTC Cup for decades before being renamed the Kingsford Smith Cup in 2017 (honouring aviation pioneer Sir Charles Kingsford Smith), it has long been a key Queensland winter sprint and a proven pointer to the Stradbroke. Quality sprinters from I Wish I Win to Think About It have used it as a springboard, and it remains a highlight of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

How to Watch the Kingsford Smith Cup (Live Stream & TV)

The Kingsford Smith Cup is shown on Sky Racing, with free-to-air coverage in Queensland, and you can live stream the race free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. Replays go up on the Racing Queensland and Sky channels shortly after.

Best Bookmakers for the Kingsford Smith Cup

For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers — best odds, futures and live streaming — see our best horse racing betting sites in Australia guide.

Kingsford Smith Cup FAQs

When is the Kingsford Smith Cup?

In late May at Eagle Farm — the most recent ran on 30 May 2026, with the next in late May 2027.

Is the Kingsford Smith Cup the same as the BTC Cup?

Yes. The race was the BTC Cup before being renamed the Kingsford Smith Cup in 2017.

How much is the Kingsford Smith Cup worth?

$1 million, at Group 1 weight-for-age level over 1300m.

Who won the 2026 Kingsford Smith Cup?

Headley Grange, beating Jimmysstar in a tight finish.

How does it relate to the Stradbroke Handicap?

It’s the key lead-up — run a fortnight before the Stradbroke, and many runners back up into it.

What time is the Kingsford Smith Cup?

Late afternoon — approximately 4:25pm AEST — confirmed race week (no daylight saving in May).

How can I watch the Kingsford Smith Cup?

On Sky Racing, with free-to-air coverage in Queensland and free live streams via most bookmakers.