Just 7kms from the Melbourne CBD, Moonee Valley Racecourse lies in a stunning, natural amphitheatre which is an apt setting for this first class racecourse. Moonee Valley’s distinction comes from the top quality of races it hosts, including the 2040m Cox Plate, which is regarded by many as the number one Weight for Age race in Australasia.
The other main factor that stands Moonee Valley apart from other top Australian racecourses is its rectangular shape, 1805m in circumference, and the 173m short straight. These unique characteristics favour front runners as they head onto the straight and past the grandstands that offer race goers an exciting piece of the action along with stunning views of the Melbourne City skyline.
Barriers:
1000m – Barriers do not have much importance here. These races start in a chute near the second turn. Once competitors jump, they head down a straight that cuts out the third turn and heads directly to the final turn, linking up with the course proper at the 600m mark. Because the opening 400m long straight heads diagonally across the middle of the circuit, it makes for a long sweeping final turn before the home straight.
1200m – Inside barriers are an advantage here. Beginning in a chute leading onto the back straight, competitors travel 300m before reaching the first turn. Exiting the first turn sends competitors on a short 200 odd metre dash before the final turn.
1600m – Action begins on course proper just after the first turn. Runners cover 400m before hitting the first of three turns. Barriers are not as important as the 1200m races.
2040m – Moving to the home straight, competitors only have 200m before they hit the first turn which gives inside barriers more chance of finding a good position to settle in for the remainder of the race.
2600m – Inside barriers have only a slight or no advantage over such a distance. It’s a 400m stretch until the competitors hit the first of five turns.
3000m – Starting in the same chute as the 1200m races, barriers do not come into play at this distance.