Alice Springs
Alice Springs is located in the Northern Territory of Australia and is home to one of the most unique racing tracks in the country. The track is a sand track, meaning that the horses race on a surface of sand rather than turf or dirt. This can be a challenging surface for horses and jockeys alike, and so it is important to consider this when assessing form at Alice Springs.
The main racing season at Alice Springs runs from April to September, and the track hosts a number of high-profile races throughout the year. One of the most famous races at Alice Springs is the Alice Springs Cup, which is a 1600m race run in April each year. This race attracts some of the best horses and jockeys from around the country and is a major event on the Northern Territory racing calendar. The prize money for the Alice Springs Cup is currently $110,000.
Another major race at Alice Springs is the Darwin Triple Crown, which is a three-day event held in July each year. The Triple Crown consists of three races - the Ladbrokes Alice Springs Sprint, the Ladbrokes Northern Territory Derby, and the Ladbrokes Alice Springs Cup. The total prize pool for the Triple Crown is over $1 million, making it one of the richest racing events in the Northern Territory.
In terms of the track itself, the Alice Springs track is a 1800m oval that is relatively tight and undulating. This can make it difficult for horses to find their rhythm, especially on the sand surface. The track also features a long home straight, which can provide a good opportunity for horses to make a late surge to the finish line.