Track Guide - Flemington

Circumference - 2300m
Home Straight - 450m

Flemington racecourse is known as the headquarters for Victorian Racing, and is run by the Victorian Racing Club. The track hosts the Melbourne Cup and many other major races during the spring carnival such as the Victorian Derby and Oaks. Sprint races are run down a straight track which tends to produce some unusual results. Flemington features a long straight which gives every horse a chance.

1000m / 1200m : These races all start from a chute off the home straight, which gives a straight run from barrier to winning post. Jockeys will generally plot a path down either the inside or outside rail. Which side will be quicker?
This is determined by a number a factors – wind direction, rain, watering pattern during the week etc, but this is almost impossible to predict. Bet on these races at your peril.

1400m : As with Caulfield, the Flemington 1400m start is a tricky one for those drawn wide. There is a run of approx 200m before hitting the long, sweeping turn which takes horses into the straight. Horses drawn wide can cover considerably more ground than their rivals and as such, wide draws are a definite disadvantage.

1600m : A short run to the long, sweeping turn means those drawn wide are again at a disadvantage.

2000m : Starting from the course proper with a long run up to the sweeping turn. Barriers of little importance from this start.

2500m : Races over 2500m start just before the winning post with only a short run to the sharp bend out of the home straight. They then have a long run into the sweeping turn. Horses drawn wide are at a considerable disadvantage but will generally be able to take up a better position after the sharp first turn.

3200m : Races run over the Melbourne Cup trip start in the straight race chute with a long run of nearly 1000m to the first turn. Barriers are generally not important, however for big fields such as the Melbourne Cup, those drawn very wide are at a disadvantage.