The Australian Cup is a Group 1 Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race held over 2000 metres in early March at Flemington racecourse.
History: One of the oldest races at the VRC, first Australian Cup run was run in 1863. In the early years, the race was 18 furlongs (approx. 3600m) raced over 2000m from 1964 and as a handicap until 1978..
Statistics: Fastest time recorded - Makybe Diva 2005 in 1:58:73. Horses to have won the Australian Cup - Melbourne Cup double in the same year: Makybe Diva in 2005 and Saintly in 1996. 1991 Melbourne Cup winner Lets Elope won the Australian Cup in 1992.
About the track: Flemington is a wide track with sweeping turns and a long home straight. Most runners have their chance, even when the rail is out.
Track Bias, Barriers: The 2000m start at Flemington is situated at the back of the course with a long straight run until the first turn. Barriers are of little importance.
*Due to extreme weather conditions at Flemington on March 6th, the running of the 2010 Australian Cup has been transferred to Flemington March 13th 2010. The Track Report for Flemington is online now.
*Due to extreme weather conditions at Flemington on March 6th, the running of the 2010 Australian Cup has been transferred to Flemington March 13th 2010. The Track Report for Flemington is online now.
Australian Cup 2010 - Preview by Chris Eagle of Australian Racing Report:
"This race has had more than it's fair share of press already - last week, when the Cup should have been run, Shocking was a scratching with a foot abscess and a storm of biblical proportions saw the whole thing postponed. This week, Shocking is back but we are missing Our Aqaleem who tragically broke down at track work on Thursday. It's an open market and the $6.00 available on Heart of Dreams at Sportsbet is tempting as he comes in to this race with good Group form. Barbaricus has been working well at the track this week and could be the danger. Miss Maren is a very consistent horse worth throwing in the multiples and Extra Zero with the weight advantage looks value at $12.00, don't think the barrier will be much of a problem. We know Shocking has the class but is he fit enough? Littorio & Sirmione could get into a place if you're after a trifecta or first four."
Summary: Heart of Dreams on top, Barbaricus, Miss Maren & Extra Zero for your multiples.
