Pride Of Jenni can still secure a Group 1 win this season after proving to connections at Caulfield on Saturday that her Australian Cup failure was an aberration After the three-time Group 1 champion had lumped 61 kilograms in the listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) on Saturday her owner Tony Ottobre said he was thrilled the mare was back to something like her devastating best after convincingly holding off Scheelite and Pounding in the run to the line she’s just a superstar,” Ottobre said “They took it up to her and she just kicked and went “She’s fantastic isn’t she To see the horse do what she has just done WATCH: Pride Of Jenni's win in the Anniversary Vase at Caulfield The reigning Horse of The Year has not won a G1 race since her extraordinary Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory at Randwick last autumn but Ottobre said the Caulfield run will tune her up for her next G1 date in the Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 24 “She’s got a little bit more condition but obviously there’s more to come in the Doomben Cup and we’re looking forward to that race,” he said “The Doomben Cup is the one then it’s Ciaron’s call Punters were wary about stepping into Pride Of Jenni after her flop at Flemington where she was the first horse beaten and she ended up jumping at the juicy odds of $2.70 she ran clear halfway down the straight and had a two and a quarter length margin on the line over Scheelite ($5) with Pounding ($5) close-up in third Jockey Craig Newitt said that although the mare did not open up her margin mid-race as she has in the past “I sensed there was something there straightening and I thought today’s the day we find out what is there and she really kept her gallop right to the line,” he said “It’s relief,” he said of his feelings the Australian Cup deflated us all.” WATCH: Craig Newitt on Pride Of Jenni's win Caulfield Race 2 #4 Hearcomesthestar $3.20/$1.83 Jumpout – Cranbourne Heat 1 (21.04.2025) I’ve always had plenty of time for this daughter of Zoustar who resumes off a short spell for John Moloney She comes to Caulfield off the back of an impressive jumpout at Cranbourne last week Monday That day she settled worse than midfield in the run but really let down nicely in the straight showing an incredible turn of foot as she stormed home over the top to win This jumpout signals to me that she has come back in great order and I’m keen to back her who has drawn the inside gate and should lead the field up who maps to settle behind the leader and with her turn of foot should be too good late I’ve had the one unit on her to win at $4 so I will be waiting until Saturday for a better price but happy to back again closer to jump time In total it will be a two unit play on Hearcomesthestar to win Jumpout – Cranbourne Heat 15 (28.04.2025) The son of Russian Revolution has been a revelation since coming to the Gavin Bedggood stable his two jumpouts were pretty plain if I am being honest winning his past two starts off the back of a freshen-up and it’s hard not to be impressed by his most recent jumpout This was at Cranbourne on Monday this week He jumped only fairly that day and settled near the rear in running in the straight he was taken to the middle and when asked for an effort let down well showing an electric turn of foot as he flew home to win I have him as a watch going into tomorrow as he has drawn wide and over the 1400m trip at Caulfield I expect the track to be favouring those on pace If they are able to make ground or are getting to the outside lanes the John Maloney stable has backed a first-up runner who looks well placed to kick off the prep in winning style at the Hawkesbury stand-alone Saturday meeting Annabelle Neasham and Rob Archibald have a progressive mare peaking for black-type success any further market push close to start time would add extreme confidence Early Market Movers is the #1 media tipster over the last 365 days Follow the Early Market Movers here & get Alerts when they drop! .  Maloney-trained filly resuming and has clearly come back well based on the early betting move Won 2 of 6 last prep and looks ready to handle the rise in grade to Saturday metro class Look for her to stalk the speed in the small field and finish hard late but his versatility and racing pattern suggest he’ll handle it From gate 2 I am expecting the stable to ride him closer and he should prove tough to beat deep into the prep Littlefield-trained galloper for high-profile owner Tony Otterbre and the early money indicates he’s in the right race but fit and tough enough now to absorb pressure and still finish strongly Forgive the last run at Bendigo where the tempo beat him Draws perfectly in gate 5 and maps for a soft run just behind the speed Back out to 1400m suits and he looks the big improver in this field and this horse looks set for a targeted plunge from the Todd Smart yard He’ll get a soft run just off the speed and has the right turn-of-foot to make a statement late Tom Sherry booked so there should be a sharp showing Comes through a good form race at Randwick and looks ready now third-up Trainer Edward O'Rourke doesn’t bring many to a Saturday card Talented filly from the O’Shea/Charlton partnership who often target this meeting with their better ones Last-start win at Warwick Farm was full of merit Peaking nicely and likely has stakes targets on the horizon Flying this prep and looking to bring up three straight wins Dominant last start at this track and distance She’s earned the shot and the market reflects serious stable intent You can get many more horse racing tips like these in our free tips market 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;background-color:#902fa1;box-shadow:0px 3px 1px -2px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 2px 2px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 1px 5px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);width:100%;border-radius:4px;margin-right:0px;min-width:auto;height:35px;padding-left:12px;padding-right:12px;padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px;background-color:#000;border:1px solid;border-color:#000;}.css-11cy5gj:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgb(100 112);box-shadow:0px 2px 4px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 4px 5px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 1px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);}@media (hover: none){.css-11cy5gj:hover{background-color:#902fa1;}}.css-11cy5gj:active{box-shadow:0px 5px 5px -3px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 8px 10px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 3px 14px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);}.css-11cy5gj.Mui-focusVisible{box-shadow:0px 3px 5px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 6px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 1px 18px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);}.css-11cy5gj.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.26);box-shadow:none;background-color:rgba(0 112);box-shadow:0px 2px 4px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 4px 5px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 1px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);}@media (hover: none){.css-1mts15k:hover{background-color:#902fa1;}}.css-1mts15k:active{box-shadow:0px 5px 5px -3px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 8px 10px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 3px 14px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);}.css-1mts15k.Mui-focusVisible{box-shadow:0px 3px 5px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.2),0px 6px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.14),0px 1px 18px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);}.css-1mts15k.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.12);}.css-1mts15k:hover{background-color:#000;color:#000;}.css-u0g51i{display:inherit;margin-right:8px;margin-left:-2px;}.css-u0g51i>*:nth-of-type(1){font-size:18px;}.css-1bn4hcr{-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;fill:currentColor;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;-webkit-transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;font-size:1.5rem;font-size:10px;color:#fff;}.css-dlodmc{margin:0;font-family:"Roboto","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.5;letter-spacing:0.00938em;color:#000;font-size:12px;color:#fff;font-weight:600;}Follow.css-lm2il2{margin:0;font-family:"Roboto","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.5;letter-spacing:0.00938em;color:#000;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:16px;}MORE NEWS WATCH: This week's episode of The Analyser Prestige Ole and Prestige Snitzel will be out the end their campaigns on a high note when they line up in the opening event at Caulfield on Saturday The David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins-trained juveniles both bring winning form as Prestige Ole has won his past two starts while Prestige Snitzel took out the Mornington Sires' in dominant fashion in her most recent race "They're both really nice chances," Jenkins said but we feel like they've both got one more solid performance in them before they go for a spell and potentially look at the spring." Jenkins revealed that he was leaning towards Prestige Snitzel "You've probably got to favour the filly just on how impressive she was in the Mornington Sires' and the weight turnaround but both horses go to the races in good health and expect them both to run well," he said WATCH: Prestige Snitzel's win at Mornington Both two-year-olds are owned by Eric Yeung who has become an important part of the Mornington-based operation "Eric's been in our stable for about 18 months which we did well with and then we just built off that," Jenkins said a really important client and a good guy." Jenkins explained that there are no set targets for the pair but he is hopeful that they will measure up in the right races in spring we're just getting a feel for as far as what trip he's going to be best suited at," Jenkins said that would be the ultimate big goal or anything a bit lesser but at that sort of trip she might also stay or get over a little bit of ground." Sportsbet has the Brideoake and Jenkins pair at the top of the market for Saturday's opening event at Caulfield with Prestige Snitzel at $2.05 ahead of Prestige Ole at $4.40 who looks ready to go on with it following a dominant last-start win With the rail back in the true position and a good-rated track expected settling close to the speed should be advantageous Here’s where the best value lies on the card: Manley continues to nail his best bets at a good rate Subscribe here so you never miss his tips!.  Dominant last start and hard to go past again Immediacy was simply too good at Caulfield second-up controlling the race from just off the speed before putting his rivals away with authority over 2000m He’s a proven Group 2 winner over 1800m at this track Expect Blake Shinn to take full advantage of a race lacking genuine pressure and dictate from the front or just outside the lead There are loads of tips for today's racing in our Horse Racing Tips market at theGreatTipOff.com You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience This Kennewell & Yeomans runner was impressive on Saturday and his figures from that run suggest he will be hard to beat again next time out We hope the $7 he paid on Saturday hangs around for the next start  You must be logged in to post a comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" Having Trouble? Email us at info@thesportingbase.com & our team will fix any issues A password will be sent to your email address Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy Register your account to enter The Sporting Base tipping competitions Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value" Three-time Group 1-winning mare Pride Of Jenni (7 m Pride Of Dubai – Sancerre by O’Reilly) bounced back to form at Caulfield as she made all to score in Saturday’s Anniversary Vase (Listed the Ciaron Maher-trained mare showed her class as she kicked clear rounding the home bend before finding plenty under pressure to beat Scheelite (Real Steel) by 2.3 lengths There was a further 0.2 lengths back to the third-placed Pounding (Exceed And Excel) Newitt revealed his relief after the race that his mount got the job done obviously the Australian Cup deflated all of us so it was just nice to see her show she was back to where we thought she had to be and to get a result is a good one.” The daughter of Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry) who finished ninth in the Australian Cup (Gr 1 covered the 1600 metres in 1:35.62 on the Good 3 track which was a new class record and 1.34secs outside Fields Of Omagh’s (Rubiton) 19-year-old track record “The speed I was going at the 1000-metre mark I reckon was the speed I was going on the winning post,” Newitt said “I never quickened any more but I never weakened She just kept on going and her stamina really kicked in.” Pride Of Jenni made up the third leg of a four-timer for the Ciaron Maher stable at Caulfield We use cookies to improve your online experience By continuing to use our website we assume you are happy to allow use of these cookies Cookies that are primarily for advertising purposes These are used to track user interaction and detect potential problems These help us improve our services by providing analytical data on how users use this site Forgot your password? Every Thursday the Get On team try & find you an edge in assessing the form for the weekend races in Victoria & around the country and Charlotte Littlefield take a deep dive into the behind the scenes world of the horse racing industry Join Ben Asgari for a full analysis on all the big races Our form men look for a winner in the early markets Weekly program hosted by Racing.com's Terry Bailey highlighted by live studio interviews with racing participants.  Every fortnight Clint Hutchison & Warren Huntly review the trials which have caught their eye & who you should be following out of the trials Join Sam Doran as he takes a look at some of the regional towns of Australia Dissect all the latest racing news and talking points with a variety of special guests A comprehensive preview show of Hong Kong racing which focuses on form Racing.com's expert team provides the latest news from the track With Hamish McLachlan & Ross Stevenson takes a look at what’s offbeat over the top & often intriguing in the great game Mike Symons and Grace Ramage on The Wrap - Sunday Edition Join our team as they look back at some of best races of the past from country to metro Relive all the classic moments in racing with the Racing.com team A celebration of the group 1 races that ensures the Spring Racing Carnival is the envy of the world Relive all the glory of Victorian Group 1 races from yesterday and beyond Racing.com personalities reflect on their 10 stand-out performers in a variety of categories Our team dissects the feature races this summer to find you a winner Brent Zerafa and Nic Ashman take a look at the stand-out performances from the weekend's racing Explore the world of racing with the A Good 3 Podcast Host Mick Wall is joined by Simon Marshall & Julian Vallance to dissect the weekend's best racing and give their best bets for around the country Racing.com shares some of the best racing stories Follow racings unsung heroes and there journeys as apart of our #LoveTheHorse Grace Ramage speaks to trainers & jockeys at trackwork ahead of the Autumn Racing Carnival Dr Turf and Ben Asgari dissect the feature races on Saturday’s metropolitan card to find you a winner For those thinking there was something familiar about the opening race winner Kaleo at Caulfield on Saturday red cap and white star were worn to victory in the Brierly Steeplechase on Tuesday by Tom Ryan and then on the Thursday by Arron Lynch in his memorable Grand Annual Steeplechase win aboard Duke Of Bedford It’s fair to say the colours travelled a little quicker on Saturday for Ethan Brown Kaleo won the Remembering Margaret McDonald (1400m) for two-year-olds in a tick over 1.24s Duke Of Bedford took almost seven minutes to clinch the Grand Annual “It’s amazing to get the Brierly and the Grand Annual and then come here today – it hasn’t sunk it yet,” said Tash Blakley who runs SCT Syndications with husband Stephen “He’s (Kaleo) a very nice colt who looks to have a really good future He was bought for $150,000 by John Foote and he buys all of the yearlings at the sales for us I’ve got the easy job – I just turn up.” almost pulled up the feature double at Warrnambool as another of their runners Torranzino was nosed out of the Warrnambool Cup The current stable star Duke Of Bedford has earned a rest after his Warrnambool heroics on the Tuesday over 3450 metres and then the Thursday over 5500 metres and 33 obstacles “He’s really well,” Blakley said so we might just pop him out for a spell as he’s only six and there’s so much ahead of him “He was the first one (yearling) I bought out of Melbourne Inglis as a yearling He passed in at the sales because he’s an out and out stayer so we went and offered Blue Gum (Farm) some money and we ended up with him.” he might have one more run at Flemington over 1400 metres in two weeks before he is tipped out for a spell with a possible Caulfield Guineas campaign in mind in the spring We not only find the horses for you to follow based on rating but we can also remind you to back them when they’re entered to race next Fill in the form at the bottom of the page and we will send you our list each week and a reminder when the horses are running You must be logged in to post a comment Saturday’s racing comes from Caulfield and Morphettville where the Group 1 South Australian Derby is the highlight Very keen on Victorian galloper Harrumph Harrumph in the Adelaide Guineas The three year old has won his first two starts easily the most recently by sitting on the speed at Sandown and running away to win by two lengths He looks capable of going right through the grades and can continue his upward spiral with a win here Recommended Price: $3.50Confidence Level: 4.5/5 Party Crasher steps up to the 2000m here for the first time but the lightly raced son of Ocean Park is certainly bred to handle the trip He’s shown nice ability in his three starts to date and with a big weight advantage over key rivals Recommended Price: $2.70Confidence Level: 4/5 Silent Surrente comes off a disappointing run in the Roy Higgins at Flemington but if she can approach anything like her terrific staying form prior Key rivals Basilinna and Sir Kingsford both look a risk at the 2500m Recommended Price: $3.70Confidence Level: 4/5 The Chairman’s Stakes is usually the right form for the SA Derby and the only horse you want to be on out of that field was Lavalier The last part of his race was terrific as he savaged the line and looks poised to eat up the 2500m Just needs some luck early from the wide draw Recommended Price: $5.50Confidence Level: 3.5/5 Hiyaam Proud resumes here off the back of a terrific spring campaign that only resulted in one win but there should have been at least one more given the bad luck he often struck in his races They should run along here with a few natural leaders engaged and despite being first up he can run over them late Recommended Price: $4.40Confidence Level: 3.5/5 Follow Betseeker for free expert horse racing tips for every day of the Australian horse racing calendar Our best bet is a locally trained galloper On a magnificent Sunday for racing there is an eight race program to be run and won at the Sale Turf Club the eyes of the racing world turn to Wagga for its famous Cup Day Our expert team is made up of experienced professional punters we have more than three decades of industry experience with major bookies including TAB Learn more about Betseeker If gambling is a problem for you, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au Betseeker is strongly committed to responsible gambling and wants gambling to be a fun recreational activity Read our practical tips to keep your gambling safe here Betseeker content is provided for entertainment and informational purposes only No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of betting information provided You are encouraged to do your own research prior to placing any bets All odds and information provided are subject to change Betseeker has no relationship with any of the sporting bodies listed on this website or any other platforms Racing Victoria (RV) and the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) today announced the repositioning of three Caulfield Group 1 races among changes to the program for the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival and 2026 Festival of Racing. The changes have been ratified by the RV Board and come with the endorsement of the Asian Pattern Committee who have approved an application lodged on RV’s behalf by Racing Australia. The programming amendments come following a review of the 2024 Spring Racing Carnival after which options for the 2025-26 racing season were workshopped at RV’s inaugural Racing Forums through the first quarter of 2025. All key industry stakeholders, being the MRC, Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC), Victoria Racing Club (VRC), Country Racing Victoria (CRV), Southside Racing, Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA), Australian Trainers Association (ATA), Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), have endorsed the changes via the Racing Forums. Since 2023, Caulfield has hosted Group 1 racing on the Saturday following the Melbourne Cup Carnival with the meeting yielding positive wagering, engagement and on-course attendance. All industry stakeholders agreed that it is in the best interests of Victorian racing to maintain Group 1 racing at Caulfield on the second Saturday after the Lexus Melbourne Cup. There was further consensus that adjustments to the program could enhance more meetings across Victoria’s peak racing period, whilst benefitting the overall pattern of Australian races. As a result, the following changes have been announced at Caulfield for 2025-26: The Group 1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) for three-year-old fillies will be returned from its current mid-November timeslot to a place inside the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival. It will be run on Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Day – Saturday, 18 October 2025 – returning to the program it had occupied prior to 1988 and strengthening the MRC’s biggest raceday with a second Group 1. The Schweppes Thousand Guineas will now be run two weeks after the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m, 3YO fillies) in Sydney, while runners will reclaim the opportunity to subsequently compete in the Group 1 TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Sportsbet Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), one of four Group 1 handicaps run during the Spring Racing Carnival, will also return from mid-November to its previous position in the calendar on Saturday, 20 September 2025. The Sportsbet Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes restores the September meeting to a dual Group 1 raceday alongside the Underwood Stakes (1800m) and reinstates its link with the Group 1 Hyland Race Colours Toorak Handicap (1600m) run three weeks later on Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas Day (Saturday, 11 October 2025). Acknowledging the value of Caulfield’s feature mid-November meeting over its two editions and a collective desire to maintain Group 1 racing on the day, the Sportsbet C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m, WFA) will shift from its traditional February timeslot to Saturday, 15 November 2025.  The move also addresses a point of contention in the Festival of Racing pattern where the Group 1 Sportsbet C.F. Orr Stakes and Group 1 Futurity Stakes are currently run under the exact same conditions at Caulfield just two weeks apart.   Moving the Sportsbet C.F. Orr Stakes provides a further option for Group 1 success at the back end of the Spring Racing Carnival for horses that have competed in the Melbourne Cup Carnival or interstate.  It will join the Memsie Stakes, run 11 weeks earlier on 30 August 2025, as the only 1400m Group 1 weight-for-age contests during the Spring Racing Carnival. As a result of the Group 1 revamp, the following programming changes will also occur in 2025-26: Group 2 Manhari Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) – Moves from 18 October back to 20 September, four weeks prior to the new date for the Schweppes Thousand Guineas; Group 2 Sportsbet Sandown Guineas (1600m) – Moves from Saturday, 29 November back to 15 November where it will again provide a mile feature for three-year-olds in the timeslot occupied by the Schweppes Thousand Guineas over the past two years; Group 3 Catanach’s Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) – Moves from 15 November to 29 November and returns to its previous distance of 1200m where it will provide a late spring feature for sprinting three-year-olds; and  Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m, WFA) – Moves from 29 November to Saturday, 7 February 2026 replacing the Sportsbet C.F. Orr Stakes as a lead-up to the Group 1 Futurity Stakes. Prizemoney for all races during the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, along with any other programming changes, will be announced over the coming months. Quotes attributable to RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison “These changes serve to strengthen our racing calendar throughout the Spring Racing Carnival, whilst maintaining 12 consecutive weekends of Group 1 racing from late August to mid-November. “The revamp comes following great consultation and collaboration between industry stakeholders via our new industry Racing Forums and with the blessing of the Asian Pattern Committee whom I want to acknowledge for their support and diligence. “RV and stakeholders were all in agreement that Group 1 racing at Caulfield in mid-November works and should continue to be embraced. We have maintained that goal whilst strengthening Caulfield Cup Day, one of our marquee racedays.”  Quotes attributable to MRC Chief Executive, Tom Reilly “These changes are an important step in shaping a racing program at Caulfield that not only enhances the Spring Racing Carnival but supports the broader racing industry and racing pattern in Victoria. “By putting the Schweppes Thousand Guineas to Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Day, we’re creating a more compelling platform to attract quality fillies and maintain the strength of our feature race day.  “Returning the Schweppes Thousand Guineas to earlier in the Spring also gives fillies the chance to progress through to the Oaks or Empire Rose at Flemington. “Equally, the enhancements to our September and November racedays are about ensuring Caulfield continues to attract high-quality horses, provide greater opportunities for participants, and reinforce its role as one of Australia’s premier racing venues throughout the entire spring period.” © 2025 Racing Victoria Limited. Any unauthorised reproduction, adaptation or communication is strictly prohibited. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Racing Victoria (RV), in conjunction with the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) and Victoria Racing Club (VRC), has today announced key changes to the weight scale for the 2025 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) following an extensive review of the conditions of the two iconic handicap races. September’s release of handicaps will see the minimum allotted weight for both Group 1 races increase from 50kg to 51kg while the minimum topweight will be raised from 58kg to 59kg. RV will also reinstate a minimum topweight of 57kg at final acceptance time for both events, with weights raised equally for all horses in the final field if the topweight is below the minimum. A minimum topweight at acceptance time was last in place for the Cups in 2016. The adjustments aim to provide both races with the best chance of attracting the highest quality field of horses and jockeys and ensure owners and trainers have a broad cross section of jockeys to choose from. The review was announced following the 2024 editions in response to feedback about the spread of weights among acceptors, the challenge for riders to make weights, and the difficulties for connections to engage their preferred jockey. As part of new industry Racing Forums, extensive consultation ensued with all industry stakeholder groups including the Australian Trainers Association (ATA), Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA) and Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA), as well as host clubs MRC and VRC. In 2024, Kalapour topped the final Caulfield Cup field with 55kg, while Vauban’s 55.5kg made the Irish-trained entrant the highest weighted horse in the Melbourne Cup field. The Caulfield Cup saw just five starters weighted at 54kg or above, while the Melbourne Cup had only four horses start with 54kg or more – the least amount in the last five editions. As a result, it required jockeys to ride at lower weights with four Caulfield Cup runners on the 50kg minimum and eight in the Melbourne Cup, a record number for both races since the minimum weight for horses aged four and upwards was set at 50kg in 2007. RV Chief Handicapper, David Hegan, said, “RV, the host Clubs and key stakeholder groups have all reached agreement on a revamped weight scale for the Cups. We believe the changes are in the best interests of these iconic races and more broadly Victorian racing. “The revamped weight scale aims to ensure that the strongest possible field of competitors are present for two of the country’s most important races, while reducing the physical demands on jockeys so that they can perform at their best. “These changes also mean that owners and trainers will have greater scope to select the rider of their choice in the Cups. Importantly, opportunities will remain for lightweight riders to showcase their talents on the big stage.” VJA Chief Executive, Matt Hyland, said, “The VJA welcomes these changes to the weight scale which will allow all our members an equal opportunity to ride in the Cups.   “We’re pleased that our feedback has been taken on board and that we’ve been able to work together to reach an agreement that will see increased opportunities for jockeys and greater choices for connections to book their preferred rider.” ATA Chief Executive, Stephen Bell, said, “The Caulfield and Melbourne Cups are critically important to Victorian racing and these changes should see both races given the chance to attract their best possible field. “We want to see the strongest lineup of horses and riders present and the revamped weight scale encourages this through a greater spread of weights among those competing in the Cups. This will deliver better opportunities for our trainers to select their preferred jockey in two of our biggest events.” The return of the mounting yard to its original position at Caulfield is what everybody in the industry wanted, according to Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga as he supervised its reopening on Tuesday morning. Kanga heaped praise on his staff, who he described as 'unsung heroes' as he unveiled the mounting yard's return at Tuesday's gallops. "It's the yard we all wanted. It's the yard which has worked for 149 years," Kanga told Racing.com. "We are very excited. 10,000 people in the grandstand behind us will see the horses and the winning post. All the connections are happier, the trainers are happier and the jockeys are very happy it's back." Kanga said the MRC staff also had to deal with restoration work after the recent grandstand fire, while setting up the reinstallation of the mounting yard. "It's galvanised the group. Everything is possible with a lot of effort. A lot of staff have worked 80 hours; they are the unsung heroes." Kanga said the area where the newer mounting yard has been for the past 12 months will be a members' area on Saturday, with a marquee built for the day which will replace the Medallion Bar and the 1876 Bar that had to be closed due to the fire damage. "In the future it will be a dual-purpose area. We can use it for functions, we can use it for pre-parade or on smaller days it may still be used as parade ring," he said. WATCH: The old mounting yard returns at Caulfield Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time An independent school in Melbourne’s inner southeast has confirmed one of its students was approached by an adult on Wednesday afternoon deputy principal Meg Adem said the incident occurred at the corner of Albion Road and High Street in Glen Iris at a stop on the school bus route a few kilometres away from the main campuses Caulfield Grammar is one of Melbourne’s biggest private schools.Credit: Joe Armao “The incident involved a student who was approached by a driver in a black vehicle as they were travelling to school,” she said We have met with and supported the student involved and their family and the matter has been referred to police It is a timely reminder to have proactive conversations with students about how they respond to unexpected encounters.” said in a separate message to parents that all classes had conversations about “unexpected encounters with adults” “Classes talked about being vigilant when catching public transport walking to and from school and to always travel in groups,” she wrote also thanking the parent who shared information about the incident “(It was) very unnerving but the student was outstanding in how they handled it as were the parents and police once notified,” said principal Ashleigh Martin Victoria Police were contacted for comment Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter. An independent school in Melbourne\\u2019s inner southeast has confirmed one of its students was approached by an adult on Wednesday afternoon \\u201CThe incident involved a student who was approached by a driver in a black vehicle as they were travelling to school,\\u201D she said about how they respond to unexpected encounters.\\u201D said in a separate message to parents that all classes had conversations about \\u201Cunexpected encounters with adults\\u201D \\u201CClasses talked about being vigilant when catching public transport walking to and from school and to always travel in groups,\\u201D she wrote \\u201C(It was) very unnerving but the student was outstanding in how they handled it as were the parents and police once notified,\\u201D said principal Ashleigh Martin entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy charged with nine offences over Tuesday’s blaze and another three grassfires at nearby Attenborough park A man accused of setting fire to a heritage-listed racecourse grandstand before breaking into a Jewish community centre will remain behind bars after facing court Travis Bird, 51, appeared at Melbourne magistrates court on Wednesday after being charged with nine offences – four counts of arson The alleged arsonist was arrested at Mordialloc train station on Tuesday after a major blaze tore through Caulfield Racecourse’s Norman Robinson stand earlier that morning and Bird is accused of trespassing at the racecourse without authority or a lawful excuse with a meet scheduled for Wednesday moved to Mornington Bird is also accused of breaking into the nearby Shtiebel community centre and damaging a door setting fire to two bins and a tricycle worth $500 a bag and trailer worth $500 and stealing a letter valued at $1 He is further accused of lighting a blaze on grounds and another three grassfires at nearby Attenborough park He faced court wearing a grey T-shirt on Wednesday morning said Bird had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and asked for custody nurses to examine him and give him his medication “I would ask that his mental health be monitored whilst he’s in custody,” she told the court Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano asked Bird to stand as he told him he would be remanded in custody Police on Tuesday said Bird once lived in the area of the fires but it was many years ago and he had no known links to the racecourse or racing industry Dennis Smith, a Fire Rescue Victoria incident controller said the fire caused significant damage to the stand and originated in a bar on the first level but from what I’ve seen this morning the damage will be in the millions,” he said assured members the grandstand would be rebuilt with the extent of the full damage still being determined The racecourse is in the middle of a $300m redevelopment including works to the Norman Robinson stand the MRC agreed to sell a $195m parcel of land at the site to Mount Scopus memorial college for the school to build a new campus Melbourne Football Club also plans to build a training and administrative base at the racecourse by 2028 The $1m The Showdown (1200m) and Pride Of Jenni's return in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) headline racing at Caulfield this Saturday.The rail will be out 6m for the entire circuit and a firm deck is expected with hot weather in Melbourne all week tips and best bets for the 10-event card below Caulfield Race 2 #9 Heart Of Glass $2.70/$1.50 The daughter of Impending looks to have returned in good order this preparation She had the one trial at Avoca where she led the whole for an impressive showing before a massive first-up run where she absolutely savaged the line to just miss behind a smart type Her key rivals all come out of the same race and although she meets them half a kilogram worse off for that run she is still open to improvement and with any luck should be winning The son of Super One trialled up well before an impressive showing in the Newmarket Handicap where he exceeded market expectations he looks to have come through his first-up run well and should be primed for this weekend’s contest His form behind Gringotts from last preparation is the clear standout and now dropping in class he gets a great opportunity to record a deserved win just because the nature of the race is a very open contest with many chances come race day I will have something small on him but will wait until the day for a better price Check out Katelyn Mallyon's tips and best bets for Saturday's racing at Caulfield on March 15 Melbourne Racing Club Chairman John Kanga has vowed to have racing back at Caulfield for C.F after transferring two January meetings away from the track on Tuesday The decision came on the back of the club having not yet regained full access to its damaged Norman Robinson Stand since last Tuesday's fire despite around-the-clock efforts Kanga said he is 'hopeful' racing can return on Saturday but declared the club will 'definitely' host Group 1 racing at Caulfield on February 8 "At the moment we are still under emergency orders from the local council so we haven't been able to get access to the building other than for restoration works," he explained "As soon as that is handed over and we anticipated that should take about seven days therefore it wasn't a difficult decision to move the two meetings." The changes have seen the Blue Diamond Previews and three other black-type races to be run on on January 25 transferred to the recently renovated Sandown course WATCH: The MRC continues the lengthy clean up at Caulfield Racing.com cameras were on-site at Caulfield on Tuesday with contractors continuing to remove debris and dry out water-damaged areas While the 1876 Bar has been destroyed and will have to be rebuilt - with new concepts already underway - the Medallion Bar and parts of the Rupert Clarke Stand will also require extensive renovations over coming months "The two bars will definitely be out until spring at this stage from what we can tell and that's the safest way to do it to and allow us to rebuild them to get them as good as they were "We will improvise and have some beautiful marquees out the front and temporary installations for our Medallion Bar "What that will mean is getting our members closer to the track as we anticipate having marquees right up to the fence." Kanga said last Tuesday's fire will delay parts of the project with the mounting yard which will be relocated back to the front of the grandstand "Our priority is to get the Norman Robinson Stand up and away and to refurbish the Rupert Clarke Stand so what we are going to do is still bring the mounting yard back for the Blue Diamond and the bigger works we anticipate to undertake that post-Spring Carnival," he said a Fire Rescue Victoria incident controller said the fire had caused “significant damage” to the Norman Robinson stand and had originated in a bar on the first level Victoria police said no one was injured in the fire A crime scene was established and police are investigating Suspicious fire engulfs Caulfield Racecourse grandstand in Melbourne’s south-east VAFA The VAFA acknowledge the traditional owners of country A man charged over the fire that ripped through a grandstand at Caulfield Racecourse has faced court accused of causing more than $1 million worth of damage following a series of suspicious fires in Melbourne’s south-east who was arrested at Mordialloc train station about 1.45pm on Tuesday following reports of several grass fires burning in the area appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning A firefighter at the scene of the blaze that gutted a grandstand at Caulfield Racecourse on Tuesday.Credit: Paul Jeffers The 51-year-old faces four counts of arson two counts of trespass and one count each of burglary A lawyer appearing on Bird’s behalf told the hearing he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and required antipsychotic medication for the condition “His depot injection is overdue,” she said “I ask his mental health be monitored while he is in custody.” Fire Rescue Victoria said on Tuesday that crews had responded to the blaze in the Norman Robinson Stand at the heritage-listed racecourse about 6.20am Court documents show Bird is accused of illegally entering the Caulfield Racecourse and starting a fire in the grandstand which caused an estimated $1 million damage Police allege the fire at Caulfield Racecourse caused more than $1 million in damage.Credit: X/@m_felgate Bird has also been charged over other smaller fires in the Caulfield area Police allege he stole a bag and trailer and set fire to both in Caulfield South on Tuesday that he set fire to a stolen tricycle and two bins in Caulfield South causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage and that he stole a letter valued at $1 from a property in Caulfield East Police allege he damaged a door belonging to the Shtiebel Community Centre in Caulfield East He is charged with trespassing and intent to steal Bird is also accused of causing $1000 damage by lighting a grass fire on a patch of land in Aspendale owned by the City of Kingston Detective Sergeant Stuart Hough said on Tuesday that Bird had lived in the area a long time ago but had no known links to the racecourse or the racing industry Police said Bird’s last known address was in Wangaratta and he was arrested nearby on a train,” Hough said On Tuesday, a Melbourne Racing Club spokesperson said the racecourse fire started in The 1876 bar on the first level of the Norman Robinson Stand Another bar and an adjoining stand also sustained water damage Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga said on Tuesday the club was devastated and one of our favourite stands for our members,” he said Fire Rescue Victoria acting assistant chief fire officer Dennis Smith said the first and second levels of the timber stand were the worst affected but a quick response from firefighters and the club’s sprinkler system had stopped the fire from spreading “Considering it’s a historic building and there’s been some damage there it could’ve been a lot worse,” he said at the racecourse A firefighter was taken to hospital with a cut to his hand that would probably require stitches About 17 fire trucks and more than 70 firefighters battled the blaze Bird was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on April 1 Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert following a series of suspicious fires in Melbourne\\u2019s south-east appeared before Melbourne Magistrates\\u2019 Court on Wednesday morning A lawyer appearing on Bird\\u2019s behalf told the hearing he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and required antipsychotic medication for the condition \\u201CHis depot injection is overdue,\\u201D she said \\u201CI ask his mental health be monitored while he is in custody.\\u201D Police said Bird\\u2019s last known address was in Wangaratta and he was arrested nearby on a train,\\u201D Hough said a Melbourne Racing Club spokesperson said the racecourse fire started in bar on the first level of the Norman Robinson Stand \\u201CIt\\u2019s a very old stand and a unique stand and one of our favourite stands for our members,\\u201D he said but a quick response from firefighters and the club\\u2019s sprinkler system had stopped the fire from spreading \\u201CConsidering it\\u2019s a historic building and there\\u2019s been some damage there it could\\u2019ve been a lot worse,\\u201D he said at the racecourse Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens The Lindsay Park stable is set to have a strong hand in the The Showdown at Caulfield with four juveniles heading into the $1 million feature off varying preparations Current favourite Killiana goes to Saturday’s race off a convincing four-length win on debut at Bendigo while stablemate Miss Celine comes through a Blue Diamond campaign in which she finished unplaced in the Group 1 after racing wide without cover The stable has elected to target The Showdown first-up with Rohesia who has not started since finishing third in the Inglis Banner at Flemington last spring while Winmar will be out to improve second-up after finishing fifth in a race at Ballarat in his return from a spell “Killiana was very impressive on debut has drawn a beautiful barrier and has trained on really well,” Lindsay Park co-trainer Ben Hayes said “I think she’s going to get a lovely run and should run very in the Blue Diamond nothing went to plan for Miss Celine “She’s come through it really well We’ve kept her nice and fresh and she’s drawn an ideal barrier in seven She should get a much better run and look for a big improvement.” Hayes said Rohesia had trialled well in two jumpout wins at Flemington leading into Saturday WATCH: Rohesia's latest jumpout win on March 7 “She’s going first-up into The Showdown but she was very impressive on debut down the straight over Cup week,” he said “Winmar was a tad disappointing first-up His final piece of work into the race was excellent so it wouldn’t surprise me if he could improve a lot into his second-up run in The Showdown.” WATCH: Winmar's last-start fifth on February 23 Hayes found it difficult to separate the stable’s leading chances in The Showdown “Probably from the barrier and the map Killiana is going to get the best run,” he said her only poor performance was in the Blue Diamond and that was because of the run she had so it would not surprise me if she could bounce back “They’re all coming from different angles and I’ll be happy if they all put up their runs.” The stable also has the current favourite for Saturday’s $500,000 VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m) with Bit Of Shoosh heading there off a 5.5-length maiden win on debut at Kyneton over 1454m “We thought he’d run very well on debut but he probably did it a lot better than we expected,” Hayes who trains in partnership with his brothers Will and JD “It was a visually impressive victory “Looking at the field there’s a couple with a bit of race experience but it does look a suitable race for him “While it’s a big step up in class for his second-up run he deserves to be there to have a crack.” WATCH: Bit Of Shoosh's last-start win at Kyneton on February 27 One of the more interesting acceptors on Saturday’s program is six-year-old gelding Tatsumaki who makes his Australian debut for the stable in the Barastoc Handicap (1200m) It will be his first start since winning his only three races in England in 2021 “He was purchased by Hong Kong clients years ago to race in Hong Kong unfortunately he broke down there and it’s just taken this long to get back to the races,” Hayes said “He arrived to us and we’ve just taken our time with him He’s coming back from a tendon (injury) He’s three-and-a-half years between runs but he’s had three trials and they’ve all been good just bearing in mind he’s been off the scene a long time he could be a bit ring rusty as well and we don’t know how he’s going to act at the races.” Tatsumaki will race in the same colours as stablemate Que Tempesta who resumes in Saturday’s G2 Peter Young Stakes A man has been arrested over the suspicious fire at a heritage-listed racecourse grandstand Police arrested the 51-year-old on Tuesday afternoon less than 12 hours after a major blaze tore through the Caulfield Racecourse Norman Robinson stand resulting in potentially millions of dollars in damage whose last known address was in Wangaratta was arrested at Mordialloc Railway Station after reports of several grassfires in the area Investigators are probing whether the grassfires and grandstand fire are linked Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the suspicious blaze on Station Street in Melbourne’s southeast at 6.20am on Tuesday Incident controller Dennis Smith said the fire caused “significant damage” to the heritage-listed Norman Robinson stand and originated in a bar on the first level that has also been impacted by this,” he told reporters “As far as the grandstands on either side there is a little bit of water damage but no fire (damage) thankfully … but that stand itself is significantly impacted “I’m not a builder but from what I’ve seen this morning the damage will be in the millions.” Mr Smith said desperate early efforts from 17 crews and more than 65 firefighters stopped the blaze spreading further “There are a lot of residents around here but thankfully the wind wasn’t significant so it didn’t really impact (the surrounding area) as much,” he said Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga said contingency plans were in place with a race scheduled for Wednesday moved to Mornington but we are keen to rebuild,” he told reporters Mr Kanga said the damaged areas are among racegoers’ favourites “Both bars are very well frequented … I can assure (members) that we will rebuild it as good or if not better than what it was,” he said A Melbourne Racing Club spokeswoman said the extent of the damage was being determined and investigators surveyors and health officials were carrying out inspections on Tuesday afternoon Firefighters’ response was escalated to a third alarm and crews got the fire under control about 7am One firefighter suffered a minor hand injury and was treated in hospital Victoria Police have established a crime scene at the racecourse and are investigating An advice level warning was in place in the nearby suburbs of Ashburton The racecourse is in the middle of a $300 million redevelopment the MRC agreed to sell a $195 million parcel of land at the site to Mount Scopus Memorial College for the school to build a new campus on