FLEMINGTON:
Administration: Victoria Racing Club.
Feature Races: Highlight of the Melbourne racing calendar is the four day Melbourne Cup Carnival, featuring one of the most well known sporting events in the world - The Melbourne Cup.
History: The VRC first held it's famous two mile handicap event in 1861. It is now the richest race of this type in the world. The Cup is held on the first Tuesday of November, a public holiday in Victoria. All the winners of the Melbourne Cup become a part of Australian racing history. In recent times we have seen Makybe Diva win the race an unprecedented three times in a row from 2003 -2005. The most anticipated race on the Australian calendar.
About the track: Circumference is 2313 metres, length of the home straight is 450 metres. After suffering from track bias problems for many years, the track was fully reconstructed in 2007. New turf and a camber on the right hand side have dramatically improved the track with little bias on either side of the track and an equal advantage to those racing on the pace and finishing from behind. Whereas the old track had the potential to become very hard in dry weather and very wet in the rain, the new track offers a more consistent surface that suits most runners and is a safer track for horses to race on all year round.
Characteristics:
1000-1200 metres - When the rail is in the True position at Flemington, it is actually placed two metres out from the inside fence. Races run over 1000, 1100 or 1200 metres use the ‘straight six’ (named for its six furlongs) with barriers placed at the end of the chute which leads into the home straight, giving one long straight run to the winning post. Rail position and barrier draws can be crucial in determining which horses have the best chance.
When the rail is True, there is an advantage to those horses who are drawn inside and stick to the inside rail. However, we often see fields splitting up with horses racing on both sides of the track. When the rail is out more than 5 metres, it is possible for runners to win on both the inside and outside rails. In rain affected conditions or after several days of consecutive racing, horses have been known to head for the crown of the track and avoid the rails altogether. Penetrometers readings can be a guide to determining which side of the track has the better going, although the outside rail sees less traffic on race day and can often be significantly better in rain affected going.
When the rail is True, there is an advantage to those horses who are drawn inside and stick to the inside rail. However, we often see fields splitting up with horses racing on both sides of the track. When the rail is out more than 5 metres, it is possible for runners to win on both the inside and outside rails. In rain affected conditions or after several days of consecutive racing, horses have been known to head for the crown of the track and avoid the rails altogether. Penetrometers readings can be a guide to determining which side of the track has the better going, although the outside rail sees less traffic on race day and can often be significantly better in rain affected going.
1400 – 3200 metres - When the rail is True, there is often very little bias to report. Most horses will have their chance, although it will be difficult to lead all the way due to the long home straight. Barrier draws can be quite significant. The 1600m and 2500m starts are positioned right before a bend. Drawing an inside barrier at these starting positions can be a real advantage. There are only a few races run over the 3200m start each year, including the Melbourne Cup. In theory, the barriers should be of no consequence over the two miles, however horses drawn out wide (barrier 14+) usually struggle to win.
CAULFIELD:
Administration: Melbourne Racing Club.
Feature Races: The Caulfield Cup is a Group One handicap held over 2400 metres in mid October. One of the finest handicap races in Australia, it is generally regarded as one of the best lead up form races for the Melbourne Cup. Top weights often struggle to win this event, and the quality of horses throughout the field is usually extremely high.
History: First Caulfield Cup run was run in the autumn of 1879, and moved to the spring in 1881. During the war years the track was closed and used as an army camp, with the Caulfield Cup being run at Flemington. Modern renovations to the track and the enclosed grandstand have made it one of the premier racecourses in Australia.
About the track: Circumference is 2080 metres, length of the home straight is 367 metres. The grass is kept long and lush at this track, with the going usually on the softer side of Good. After heavy rain, the conditions can become very sticky and runners will usually avoid the ground near the inside fence.
Characteristics:
1000-1400 metres - There are five corners at Caulfield, but they are rarely used with the majority of races being held over the 1000m – 1400m distances. When the rail is in the true position, we often see an advantage those runners who are drawn in and can race on the pace, particularly in the shorter distance races.
1400 metres plus – Generally there is little bias to report with most runners having their chance when the rail is True. The rail can be moved out up to 10 metres or more, and this usually results in a leaders track.
2400 metres - Caulfield Cup Start. Ideal barriers to start from are between 3 - 10. No winners have started from outside barrier 12 in recent years, top weights drawn in can get too far back and struggle to make ground. The Caulfield Cup is a tough handicap event and the pace is usually strong throughout the race. Horses must be able to run out the trip and find something extra in the final stages.
MOONEE VALLEY:
Administration: Moonee Valley Racing Club.
Feature Races: The Cox Plate is Australia’s premier Weight for Age event, held over 2040 metres in late October between the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
History: First run in 1922, the Cox Plate always attracts the finest horses racing in Australia and beyond and is known for being the scene of some truly unforgettable racing moments.
About the track: Circumference is 1805 metres, length of the home straight is 173 metres. The only track in Victoria to be made with Strathayr. The Valley is consistently rated between Good and Dead, rarely rated worse than Slow. Even after heavy rain, the sand base compacts to become firm and drainage is very good. The track is a tight turning cambered circuit which some horses do not handle very well (particularly those who are trained at the larger tracks or used to running in the opposite direction.) Horses trained at Mornington (one of the smaller provincial Victorian tracks) often go well here as the tracks have similar characteristics.
Characteristics: Barriers are of little consequence when the rail is True, as fields are limited to a maximum of 15 and often there are only 8 - 10 runners in a race. When the rail goes out 5m or more we see a distinct advantage to those who are drawn in and can race on the pace. They can dictate the speed of the race and get a winning break from the turn into the home straight. One thing to look out for is a top weight drawn in barrier 1. They often get trapped too far back and are unable to make up sufficient ground in the straight.
SANDOWN HILLSIDE AND LAKESIDE:
Administration: Melbourne Racing Club.
History: Minor renovations in 2003 resulted in the introduction of two separate tracks at this course – Hillside and Lakeside.
About the tracks: Circumference of Lakeside is 1857 metres, length of the home straight is 407 metres. Circumference of Hillside is 2087 metres, home straight is also 407 metres.
Characteristics: Generally quite fair, there is a rise steep in the home straight to the winning post which usually makes it difficult to lead all the way. The Lakeside track is positioned on the inside of the course and can be quite susceptible to wet weather. Being drawn in and trying to lead on the rail under these conditions will present problems, winners will be the ones finishing on late. However, unlike the other Melbourne courses, when the rail is in the True position and the track is Good it is possible to lead all the way. The Hillside track generally exhibits little bias, although we often see horses swooping from behind on days when the rail is out 7 metres or more.
