Flemington
Flemington is one of Australia's most prestigious and historic racecourses, located in Melbourne, Victoria. Known as the "home of the Melbourne Cup", Flemington is renowned for its premier racing events, including the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival held in November each year.
The track is a spacious, pear-shaped course, with a circumference of 2312 metres and a straight of 450 metres. Races are held on both turf and synthetic surfaces. The course is considered to be one of the fairest and most challenging in the country, with its long straight making it a true test of a horse's stamina and speed.
Flemington is also known for its vibrant atmosphere and sense of occasion. The annual Melbourne Cup Carnival draws crowds of over 300,000 people, with spectators donning their finest attire and enjoying a day out at the races. The carnival features four days of racing, culminating in the world-famous Melbourne Cup, a 3200-metre handicap race worth over AUD 8 million.
In addition to the Melbourne Cup, Flemington hosts several other Group 1 races, including the Victoria Derby, the Australian Cup, and the Newmarket Handicap. These races attract the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world, and offer significant prize money, with the Melbourne Cup alone offering AUD 8 million in total prize money.
When it comes to form at Flemington, many punters place a high value on horses with a proven record at the track, given its unique shape and challenging straight. However, the quality of competition at Flemington is also very high, meaning horses must be in top form to be competitive. As with any racecourse, it's important to consider a range of factors when doing form, including a horse's recent performances, its weight, jockey, trainer, and other track-specific factors.
Overall, Flemington is a must-visit destination for any racing enthusiast, offering not only top-class racing but also a unique and unforgettable experience.