Making the Melbourne Cup field has been made harder under a raft of changes to the race.
Horses must win at least a Listed race or place in a Group race of 2300 metres or further to pass the first balloting clause while only winners of Listed races of 1600 metres or further are liable to be re-handicapped.
In the past it was enough for horses to earn $60,000 placing first to fifth in any open class flat race of 2300 metres or further to pass the first ballot while winners of any handicap with a $60,000 first prize could get a weight penalty.
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Dale Monteith said the new rules were consistent with the status of the Melbourne Cup.
“The changes to weight penalty and balloting clause criteria in the race conditions take the Melbourne Cup to a higher level, as the race continues its evolution as the staying championship of the world,” he said.
The only exceptions to the balloting clause are specific major staying races overseas, which, by their nature, do not qualify for international black-type status.
These include the top United Kingdom staying races the York Ebor, Northumberland Plate, the Cesarewitch, the Champions and Chater Cup and the Queen Mother Memorial Cup.
To help balance out the effect of removing the $60,000 prize money requirement, horses placed fourth or fifth in the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, The BMW, Sydney Cup and The Metropolitan since August 1, 2009 will now pass the first balloting clause.
In another significant move, nominations for the 2011 renewal will close a month later on September 1 and weights, usually announced during the first week in September, will now be released on September 13.
However the declaration stages that traditionally follow the Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day (Turnbull Stakes) and Cox Plate Day, leading to final acceptance on Victoria Derby Day, remain in place.
Monteith defended the new nomination deadline, claiming that by being closer to race day it would result in an entry list which will be “more compact and relevant”.
“Horses that unexpectedly perform well in August (whether in Australia or overseas) should not be stranded outside the entry list,” Monteith said.
“On the other hand, the many horses that do not resume racing until August can be properly assessed by connections and a more informed decision about a nomination can be made, either way.
“A later release of weights will allow the handicapper to see more early spring race form unfold, and this can only result in a better handicap,” Monteith said.
The VRC has also moved to reduce the chances of Cup scratchings with a new clause to stop unfit horses from accepting for the race.
Amid the changes, the advertised value of the Melbourne Cup owners’ trophy has been increased $200,000 which reflects the upward trend in the price of gold.
AAP TURF
