The 10 most important races in Australia

[Gavin Excell]

There are Group Ones and then there are Group Ones.

Here's my thoughts on the ten key races in the country.

Opinions appreciated

1. Melbourne Cup

2. Cox Plate

3. Caulfield Guineas

4. Doncaster

5. Caulfield Cup

6. Golden Slipper

7. AJC Derby

8. Australia Cup

9. Newmarket

10. Stradbroke

 

[The_Doctor]

I would have the Oaks and the Vic Derby above the Stradbroke

 

[The_Doctor]

Also wouldnt have the Guineas that high

 

[Gavin Excell]

I would have the Oaks and the Vic Derby above the Stradbroke

Stradbroke was generous but I don't think the Victorian 3yo classics aren't as good as their NSW equivalents because they happen too early in the season.

Caulfield Guineas - champion and sires producing race

 

[The_Doctor]

Yeah the Guineas is a very good race, just imo i would have it at around 5. I would also rate the Caulfield Cup probably one higher than the Doncaster

 

[iluvparis]

Good list but I would exclude the Stradbroke - the Lighting is above it for one.

The Golden Slipper is obviously important but I just don't rate 2yo racing. I would replace it with the BMW.

 

[GeeUUess]

1. Interdominion
2. Miracle Mile
3. Hunter Cup
4. Victoria Cup
5. Vic Derby
6. 2yo C&G APG
7. Chariots of Fire
8. Ballarat Cup
9. Australian Oaks
10. 2yo Fillies APG

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

I see what you did there

 

[balmainforever]

Ballarat Cup?? Really
Thought that the Kilmore Cup would be before the Ballarat Cup

 

[GeeUUess]

Ballarat Cup?? Really
Thought that the Kilmore Cup would be before the Ballarat Cup

Admittedly Ballarat is at the bottom of the list, just a toss up between a few I'm a bit here nor there whether its actual top 10. However its definitely better than the Kilmore Cup.
The Kilmore Cup is just a shade of days gone by. $70,000 in prizemoney from memory now, Ballarat Cup is up over the $100,000 mark.
In recent years Kilmore Cup field has just about been upstaged the $20,000 Popular Alm Sprint on the same meeting while the Ballarat Cup takes centre stage the week before the Vic Cup.
This year Bitobliss beat a substandard Kilmore Cup (Make Mine Cullen won the year before) while the Ballarat Cup was the big match race between Smoken Up and Sushi Sushi.

 

[Gavin Excell]

1. Interdominion
2. Miracle Mile
3. Hunter Cup
4. Victoria Cup
5. Vic Derby
6. 2yo C&G APG
7. Chariots of Fire
8. Ballarat Cup
9. Australian Oaks
10. 2yo Fillies APG

Trueur Memorial?

 

[GeeUUess]

Trueur Memorial?

No way. Hardly deserving of Grand Circuit status these days.

 

[Duritz]

Back on real racing, it depends on what you mean by important. Important to whom? Punters? Owners? Breeders? Trainers? All combined?

 

[Gavin Excell]

Back on real racing, it depends on what you mean by important. Important to whom? Punters? Owners? Breeders? Trainers? All combined?

Good question - i think its what owners want to win

 

[SlainteO'Hailpin]

Back on real racing

That'd be the dogs then

 

[Gavin Excell]

That'd be the dogs then

No Trackside

Always back the 6

 

[free at last]

Back on real racing, it depends on what you mean by important. Important to whom? Punters? Owners? Breeders? Trainers? All combined?

For the racing industry as a whole, I think the slipper is the most important.
The slipper sustains the racing industry.

 

[Sons_of_a_Gun]

For the racing industry as a whole, I think the slipper is the most important.
The slipper sustains the racing industry.

I strongly disagree, i think 99% of people you ask would say it's the Melbourne cup. How anybody else can think any different is bazaar to me.

 

[iluvparis]

For the racing industry as a whole, I think the slipper is the most important.
The slipper sustains the racing industry.

Sadly the slipper has in fact probably harmed the industry more than any other race.

 

[SlainteO'Hailpin]

I strongly disagree, i think 99% of people you ask would say it's the Melbourne cup. How anybody else can think any different is bazaar to me.

And 99% of the people you ask watch .000001% of the races for the year.

 

[free at last]

I strongly disagree, i think 99% of people you ask would say it's the Melbourne cup. How anybody else can think any different is bazaar to me.

How many past Melbourne cup winners go on to become quality breeding sires? Not many is the answer.

The Australian racing industry is dominated by sprinting races.
You look at your typical racing card and you'll find most races are 1000m,1100m,1200m,1300m,1400m,1500m and 1600m.

 

[iluvparis]

That's why the few quality distance races we have left are vitally important.

 

[Gavin Excell]

any suggested amendment to this?

the Railway?

 

[Aussie Assault]

Probably hasn't had the time yet to mature, but the Queen Elizabeth (Sydney's version) will become a big target for both local & internationals given the prize money thrown at it.

I'd also add the Lightning. Mainly for the viewing pleasure given our quality of sprinters is usually top shelf.

 

[Gavin Excell]

Probably hasn't had the time yet to mature, but the Queen Elizabeth (Sydney's version) will become a big target for both local & internationals given the prize money thrown at it.

I'd also add the Lightning. Mainly for the viewing pleasure given our quality of sprinters is usually top shelf.

is the QE2 going to be worth $4m?