Long regarded as the ultimate launching pad to Group 1 success, the carnival reinforced that status again last spring through the rise of Autumn Boy and Half Yours on the national stage.

The winter carnival reaches its climax at the Sunshine Coast with one of the flagship days on the calendar.

It was on Caloundra Cup Day in 2025 where Half Yours staked his claim for the eventual Melbourne Cup victory, taking out the $300,000 race for Tony and Calvin McEvoy.

A quality field is set to gather on the picturesque coast in front of what’s sure to be a patriotic crowd cheering on their local hopes.

The final Group race of the Queensland season will also be run and won at Corbould Park, as the Winx Guineas honours the champion mare who started her remarkable 33-race win streak at the track in 2015.