Future Stars Series returns to Pakenham
The fourth edition of the Ladbrokes Future Stars Series will commence on Friday, with Southside Pakenham hosting the opening leg of Victoria’s lucrative 11-race program restricted to maiden horses.
Since its inception, the Future Stars Series has built a strong reputation as a launchpad for elite performers, with Ciaron Maher-trained Group 1 winner Gringotts and seven other stakes winners having emerged from the initiative.
The 2026 series will again headline Southside Racing’s summer night program across the next two months.
Featuring 10 heats worth $65,000 each at Pakenham and Cranbourne, the series culminates in the $250,000 Ladbrokes Future Stars Final, delivering a total of $900,000 in prizemoney and reinforcing Racing Victoria’s ongoing investment at grassroots level.
A 3YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres provides the first opportunity for connections to qualify for the Future Stars Final, a Class 3 Plate over 1400 metres to be run at Pakenham on Thursday night, February 26.
Racing Victoria Chief Operating Officer Vaughn Lynch said the series continued to deliver strong outcomes for both participants and punters.
“Since its inception in 2023, the Future Stars Series has proved very popular. It’s a platform for stars to emerge, provides a strong form line for punters, and is a key part of our commitment to investing in maiden racing across Victoria,” Lynch said.
Besides Gringotts, other graduates include Marble Arch, Von Hauke, Eternal Flame and Oh Too Good, further underlining the series’ status as a proven pathway to Group success.
