The ATC Metropolitan Handicap has a long history and was first run over 16 furlongs (about 3200 metres) in 1863 when it was won by Regno. The distance was reduced to 12 furlongs in 1892 and there have been other distance changes until it became the current 2400 metres in 2001. The only year the race was not held was in 2007 when an outbreak of equine influenza (EI) caused many races in Australia to be cancelled.

Many horses have their lead-up race in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes over 2400 metres two weeks before or the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality Handicap over 2400 metres one week before, and many have won the Colin Stephen – Metropolitan double including Railings (2005), Dress Circle (2001), Coco Cobanna (2000), Vita Man (1999), In Joyment (1998), Heart Ruler (1997), Hula Flight (1996) and Zamination (1993).

2024 Metropolitan Handicap Preview and results

2023 Metropolitan Handicap Preview and results

2022 Metropolitan Handicap Preview and results

2021 Metropolitan Handicap Preview and results

2020 Metropolitan Handicap Preview and results

Last mare to win: Montefilia (2021)

Last 3YO to win: C&G  – Marvel Loch (1903); Filly – no filly has won

Multiple winners: Hayai (1983 & 1984); Tails (1969 & 1970); Murray Stream (1945 & 1947): Cagou (1913 and 1917): Mooltan (1907 and 1908).

Fastest time (2400m): Sir John Hawkwood (2005) 2:27:42

Interesting trivia: Race not held in 2007 due to equine influenza.

As the Metropolitan is held on the last major race day of the Sydney spring carnival the stronger contestants continue their spring campaigns in Melbourne. Metropolitan winners that have gone on to win the Caulfield Cup are Tawqeet (2006), Railings (2005), Hayai (1983) and Redcraze (1956). Metropolitan winners to win the Melbourne Cup are Macdougal (1959), Straight Draw (1957), Dalray (10952), Delta (1951) and Tim Whiffler (1867).

No horse has ever won the Australian handicap treble of the ATC Metropolitan, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. Five horses have won the race twice and these are Hayai (1983 and 1984), Tails (1969 and 1970), Murray Stream (1945 and 1947), Cagou (1913 and 1917) and Mooltan (1907 and 1908).

2018 ATC Metropolitan Handicap Tips:

Track: Slow   Weather: Overcast

There is a full field of 18 runners plus an emergency for the $750,000 The Heineken 3 Metropolitan, and eight of them are trained by Chris Waller. The early betting is quite open and the early favourite is Brimham Rocks who has placed at all 3 runs this campaign including 2^nd in the Kingston Town last outing. Second favourite is Miss Admiration, who came away to win the Colin Stephen by 1.8 lengths at Rosehill last week. Third favourite is UK import High Bridge who was raced over hurdles before coming to Australia and won both starts here on the flat.

Big Duke was runner-up in this race last year and ran on very strongly when 5^th in the Kingston Town last outing. Libran only got clear late when 7^th in the Kingston Town. Patrick Erin was 4^th in the Kingston Town , while Wall Of Fire hasn’t started since the 2017 Melbourne Cup. The Lord Mayor has won his last 2 starts, both over 2000m, but is yet to be proven beyond that distance. All other runners are currently 14 to 1 or longer including Sin To Win who was 3^rd in the Colin Stephen.

For tips on this years Metropolitan Handicap check out the top picks from our expert racing tipster panel. Tips for the weekends racing are uploaded every Friday The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.