Why are some horses track specialists?

Why do some tracks produce nightmare results for punters?

Why do some tracks favour leaders?

These answers and more can be found in our descriptions of Australia's main horse racing tracks. 

Flemington is the headquarters of the Victoria Racing Club and the home of Australia's internationally famous Melbourne Cup.

The course has a circumference of 2,312 metres and a home straight of 450 metres.

In 1400 to 2000 metres races many horses get trapped wide and cover extra ground.

Races no longer than 1200 metres are held down the straight. These races, particularly in big fields, are poor betting affairs due to track bias.

Flemington has been plagued with track bias, is a very poor wet weather track and in our opinion the worst metropolitan punting track.

Barrier Guide

1000 metres: This barrier starts in a chute of the home straight and is a straight run to the winning post. In big fields some well fancied runners drawn badly have no hope due to the terrible track bias. Sometimes the inside is the best going, often the outside, particularly when rain affected.

1200 metres: Similar to the 1000 metres start. There is a straight run to the winning post. Again, track bias rather than the ability of horses and jockeys decides many races.

1400 metres: This barrier is located in a chute off the course proper. There is an angled run of only about 250 metres to the sweeping double turn for home. It is not uncommon for horses to be caught wide until the home turn. Inside barriers have a significant advantage.

1600 metres: This barrier is located in a chute off the course proper. Runners are on a curve until straightening for home at the 450 metres. Wide barriers are usually a big disadvantage.

1800 metres: This barrier starts in the back section of the course proper. There is only a short run until a sweeping turn to the home straight. Inside barriers have an advantage.

2000 metres: This barrier is located on the side of the track in the course proper. Inside barriers have a slight advantage.

2500 metres: This barrier is located in the course proper in the home straight. There is only a run of 200 metres to a tight double turn. Again there is a common misconception that because of the distance of the race barriers are not important. On the contrary, inside barriers are a significant advantage.

2800 metres: The start of the St. Leger Stakes. Starts in the straight with a run of 500 metres to the first tight turn. Inside barriers are an advantage.

3200 metres: The Melbourne Cup start. Starts in the chute at the back of the home straight with a run of 900 metres to the first turn. In big fields inside barriers are an advantage. That is why favoured horses in the Melbourne Cup ease significantly in the betting if drawn wide.

Copyright ©1998-present. OZmium Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved.