Beginning today, Just Horse Racing is going to look at some of the pivotal races of the upcoming spring carnival.The best of the Spring Carnival starts next Saturday October 2, with the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
Randwick hosts its Super Saturday, with four Group 1’s including the Epsom Handicap (1600m), the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m), the Flight Stakes (1600m) and the Metropolitan (2400m).
The focus then shifts solely to Melbourne, with Caulfield to host its three day carnival.
Saturday October 9 sees the running of the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), with a strong support card including the Yalumba Stakes (2000m), the Toorak Handicap (1600m) and the Group 2 Herbert Power Handicap (2400m).
Wednesday October 13 features the running of the Thousand Guineas (1600m).
The final day of Caulfield’s carnival on Saturday October 16 features the running of the first leg of Australia’s big three, the BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Between Caulfield and Moonee Valley comes a race which has grown enormously in stature in the last decade, the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m).
The following Saturday (October 23) Moonee Valley has Australia’s weight for age championship, the Tattersalls Cox Plate (2040m).
And then we have the pinnacle of racing in Australia, the week long Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Saturday October 30, Derby Day, is this nation’s best day of racing, with every race a Group or Listed event.
There are four Group 1’s – the Victoria Derby (2500m), the Myer Classic (1600m), the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) and the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).
There is also the final opportunity for horses to qualify for the Melbourne Cup with the Lexus Stakes (2500m) an intriguing affair.
Tuesday November 2 is the big day – Cup Day – featuring the running of the race that stops the nation, the 150th Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The party doesn’t end with the Melbourne Cup, with two more quality days of racing following the Cup.
Thursday November 4 is Oaks Day, featuring the running of the Crown Oaks (2500m).
The final Group 1’s of the carnival come up on Stakes Day, with the running of the Emirates Stakes (1600m) and the Patinack Farm Classic (1200m).
We will begin to look at these races today, in the hope of informing you of where your favourite horse may run next!
Written by Andrew Hawkins
