The race is considered the main lead in to the Crown Oaks which is raced five days later over 2,500 metres on the third day of the VRC Spring Carnival.[1] Thirty-five fillies have completed the Wakeful Stakes – VRC Oaks double.
Name
The race is named after Wakeful, the champion mare of the early 20th century, who won the Melbourne Stakes three times (1901–1903), the predecessor to the LKS MacKinnon Stakes which was run on the same day as this event prior to 2016.
Distance
1932–1953 - 1 mile (~1600 metres)
1968–1971 - 1 1⁄4 miles (~2000 metres)
1972 onwards - 2000 metres
Grade
1932–1978 - Principal Race
1979 onwards - Group 2
1954 racebook
1954 VRC Derby racebook front cover
1954 VRC Wakeful Stakes page raceday officials
Starters and results 1954 VRC Wakeful Stakes
Starters and results of the 1954 VRC Wakeful Stakes showing the winner, Blue Amber
Starters and results 1954 VRC Wakeful Stakes
Back cover showing enclosure information for visitors
