Flemington in peak shape for 2024 Melbourne Cup week
Flemington track manager Liam O’Keeffe says the track has rebounded well for the biggest four days on the Australian racing calendar.
The track took a pounding during the past two feature meetings on September 7 and October 5 when rain during the day had a detrimental effect on the course.
But O’Keeffe and his team have worked tirelessly over the ensuing weeks to have the track in perfect shape for the opening meeting of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Victoria Derby Day on Saturday.
And O’Keeffe said the weather forecast for Victoria Derby Day and the extended forecast into next week looks ideal.
“We did have more damage than normal after those two Group 1 meetings,” O’Keeffe said.
“Unfortunately, we had a lot of rain on both days, so managing the track we’ve done it slightly different, treated it a little tougher and mowed it down a little to thicken it up and get recovery into the track.
“That was on the back of having rain through the day, which is not what you want, but fortunately the works that we have done has seen the track come up well and it has picked up nicely since we’ve had those meetings.
“It’s a credit to the team, they’ve worked hard and got to where we need for the four days.”
O’Keeffe said the Derby Day forecast was around 25 degrees, a little overcast and not too windy, adding that in the lead up to the meeting there are no strong winds forecast.
“The weather is looking pretty good, high teens, low 20’s for the week,” O’Keeffe said.
“At this stage Derby Day is around 25 degrees, cloudy, not too a strong wind, so we’ll water most nights to keep it in the Good 4 range.
“Fingers crossed it’s not too windy as it will make our job easier.”
O’Keeffe said he would apply 6 to 7 mils of water on the track leading up to Derby Day with the possibility of up to 10 mils if the weather heats up.
He said the rail would be in the true position for Derby Day and move out to 2m on Cup Day, 5m on Oaks Day and 8m on Champions Day.
“That enables us to get the horses on the fresh ground and it enables us to put some good water on without the fence giving out and it still allows us to run full fields,” O’Keeffe said.
A brief look at the forecast for Cup showed O’Keeffe a temperature around the 22-to-23-degree mark, but he said he would have a clearer picture towards the end of the week.
More Racing News
Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes
Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...
She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...
Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes
Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...
Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention
Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...
Jamie Melham getting used to new name
New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...
The Playwright stars in thrilling finish to win 2025 Widden Stakes
Tulloch Lodge is considering following the same path with The Playwright that led Lady Of Camelot to success 12 months ago, after the filly mirrored her Golden Slipper-winning stablemate by claiming the Widden Stakes. Lady Of Camelot won the fillies’ feature last year before finishing second in the Group 1 Blue...
Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton
Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...
Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks
Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...
Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high
If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...
Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials
Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...