October
OctoberTrue test
Great to see that a capacity field looks like lining up in the Victoria Derby on Saturday.
Usually at this time of year we get the doomsayers pleading for a distance reduction. I’ve always argued that we should keep the Derby at this distance and find a true stayer.
If you have a three-year-old 2000-metre horse you can always target the Cox Plate, the Mackinnon or the newly formed Caulfield Classic, but this race tests the true mettle.
With the overseas horses targeting our spring staying riches this race should be embraced and hopefully breeders will see it this way.
To reduce the distance would be waving the white flag. We have already done that with the Perth and Brisbane cups and I think those races are weaker for it.
In addition, I’d love to see the VRC promote something like a “Flemington Cup” for the locally bred two-milers who now fail to make the Melbourne Cup field.
Open the handicapping up with weights down to 51kg or something and take the place of the 2800-metre handicap on cup day. I think things like this are worth a try.
Melbourne