Strong entries expected for both 2019 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups
Racing Victoria’s General Manager of Racing, Greg Carpenter who also acts as chief handicapper for Caulfield and Melbourne Cups anticipates a better entries than past years.
He believes the first three placegetters from the 2018 Melbourne Cup - Cross Counter, Marmelo and Prince of Arran - all of whom are British trained, will be among the nominations for the 2019 Melbourne Cup and are likely to race on the first Tuesday in November, preserving the depth of the contest.
Significant prize money increases from 2017 to 2018 to the Cups saw the number of nominations lift significantly.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup attracted 183 nominations (up by 43) with 50 of those overseas based (up by 19) when the race went from $6.3m in 2017 to $7.3m. This year’s Melbourne Cup is worth $8m.
Last year’s Caulfield Cup attracted 164 nominations (up by 22) with 27 of those overseas based (up by five) when the race went from A$3m to A$5m, which remains the current total prizemoney figure of the race.
Credit : Melbourne Racing Club