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After racing at Caulfield, attention turns to Moonee Valley and the Cox Plate, ahead of four big days of racing at Flemington racecourse for Melbourne Cup week. This makes October and November one very long racing party in Melbourne.
All three days of the Caulfield Cup Carnival are popular with racegoers, tickets are available to purchase at the course or online at ticketek.com.au.
f you have a Sportsbet account you can bet on the Melbourne Racing Carnival online or on your phone 24/7 so no matter where you are, you'll never miss a bet. Join here for an exclusive $250 Free Bet offer.
Feature racing at Caulfield includes the Blue Diamond Stakes in February, the Memsie Stakes in August and the Underwood Stakes in September. The highlight of the racing year at Caulfield is the three day Caulfield Cup Carnival in October.
Scheduled three weeks before the Victoria Derby meeting at Flemington racecourse, the Caulfield Guineas launches Caulfield Cup week. Held on Saturday, racing on Caulfield Guineas day includes the Caulfield Stakes, Toorak Handicap, Schillachi Stakes and Herbert Power Stakes.
The following Wednesday is Ladies Day at Caulfield with the running of the Thousand Guineas, the Debutants Stakes and the Ladies Day Vase.
Finally, two Saturdays before the start of Melbourne Cup week, the Caulfield Cup is run and won. Racing on Caulfield Cup day also includes the Caulfield Sprint, Tristarc Stakes, and the Norman Robinson.
Members Dress Code at Caulfield is for a suit, sports coat or blazer with a tie for men, from 1st November to Easter Cup Day jackets may be removed.
Ladies are asked to maintain a 'suitable and appropriate' standard of dress.
When attending the Caulfield Cup Carnival, many racegoers dress to this code even if they are not in the Members Reserve.
The flowers for Caulfield Carnival Racedays are:
Caulfield Guineas - Lavender
Thousand Guineas - Dutch Blue Iris
Caulfield Cup - White Rose
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, the going is usually on the softer side of Good and often rated Dead. After heavy rain, the conditions can become very sticky and runners will usually avoid the ground near the inside fence, particularly when the rail is out 3 metres or more.
1000m & 1200m - There are five corners at Caulfield, but they are rarely used with the majority of races being held over the 1000m – 1400m distances. In sprint races, regardless of whether the rail is in the true position or moved out, we often see an advantage those runners who are drawn in and can race on the pace. When the rail is out, the winners will be those in the leading division.
1400m - Starting from a short branch at the back of the course, this start forces runners into a turn almost immediately, runners who have gained a forward position before the 1200 metres mark have an advantage. For this reason, an inside gate is preferred, particularly when the rail has been moved out 5 metres or more.
1600m to 2000m – Generally there is little bias to report with most runners having their chance when the rail is True. When the rail is out 5 metres or more there is an advantage to racing on the pace although it will be possible to make ground over the concluding stages if the pace has been keen up front.
2400m - the Caulfield Cup Start. Ideal barriers are between 3 - 10. The last winner to draw an outside gate in the Caulfield Cup was Let's Elope in 1991, since then no winners have drawn outside 13. The maximum number of runners in the Caulfield Cup is 18 with 4 emergencies. There is usually plenty of pace from the front runners, 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 strong throughout. On pace runners can manage to fall into a place, but the winner is usually a quality stayer who can run out the trip by finding something extra in the closing stages. The rail is often out 6 metres on Caulfield Cup day, so drawing a good barrier is important.
See the Melbourne Track Bias Report for more information on this weeks racing at Caulfield including official track conditions, scratchings & weather.
Administration: Melbourne Racing Club - for the official website, go to www.melbourneracingclub.net.au. |
Location: the inner eastern suburb of Caulfield is a approximately 13kms from the Melbourne CBD.
The Course: Caulfield is a large course with a long straight run before the home turn, he home straight is 367 metres. A fair course which affords most runners an even chance when the rail is True, when the rail is out 6 metres or more it favours the on pace runners and leaders. The winning post is positioned in front of the mounting yard and is overlooked by an enclosed glass grandstand that ensures most spectators have a good view of the finish. The clockers' tower is a notable feature at this course, situated in front of the grandstand, in the paddock adjoining the mounting yard. Melbourne Racing Club is a progressive and innovative organisation that strives to make racing an enjoyable experience for members and the public on every race day.
Feature Races: The Caulfield Cup is a Group 1 handicap held over 2400 metres in mid-October at Caulfield racecourse in Melbourne's inner east. The highlight of Caulfield's 3 day Carnival with prize money of $2.5 million, the Caulfield Cup is regarded as one of the best lead up form races for the Melbourne Cup, but also stands out as one of the finest 2400m handicap races in the world. Other quality feature races throughout the year at Caulfield include:
- Caulfield Guineas
- Blue Diamond
- Oakleigh Plate
- Toorak Handicap
- Underwood Stakes
- Futurity Stakes.
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 with top class facilities for the horses, club members and the public. Each raceday in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival has an official flower, for the Caulfield Cup it is a White Rose.
Caulfield Cup Statistics: Fastest time recorded - Diatribe 2000 in 2:25.3. 11 horses have won the Caulfield Cup - Melbourne Cup double, the last being the New Zealand mare Ethereal in 2001. Favourites have a good record, winning in five of the last 8 years. Imported horses to win: Fraar (1993) Taufans Melody (1998) & All The Good (2008). Rising Fast (1954) is the only horse to win the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate & Melbourne Cup in the same year. As well as holding the record for training the most Melbourne Cup winners (12), Bart Cummings has trained 7 winners of the Caulfield Cup including Viewed in 2009. 10 horses have carried the Number 1 saddlecoth to win, the last being Northerly in 2002.
How to get to Caulfield Racecourse:
By Car: About 15 minutes from the Melbourne CBD via the Monash Freeway, parking is available on course. Melways reference 68 E1.
By Train: Frankston, Dandenong, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines depart regularly from Flinders Street to Caulfield Station, located directly opposite the course. The journey from the City takes approximately 15 minutes. Additional services are provided during peak times
By Tram: The No. 3 from the City along Swanston Street. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes with racegoers alighting at Stop 52.
Caulfield Racecourse Feature Races, History, About the Track. Track Bias Barriers Guide, Caulfield Racecourse Map. How to get to Caulfield Racecourse. Bet on Caulfield Racing online by the website or mobile. Why bet with the TAB when you can open a Sportsbet account and get a free bet up to $250? Safe and secure online betting. Find out more about Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival including the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate & Melbourne Cup.
