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. Each raceday in the Spring Carnival has an official flower, for the Caulfield Cup it is Lily of the Valley.
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 closing stages.
How to get to Caulfield Racecourse:
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 closing stages.
How to get to Caulfield Racecourse:
By Car: Located about 13kms 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.
