It’s not every day I find myself agreeing with Mick Malthouse. While I would not diagnose myself with ‘blockbuster fatigue’, I am dealing with a small dose of ‘black type fatigue’.
After three straight days of quality racing, it seems harsh to focus on a negative.
However, as we approach those delightful Group 1 filled weeks of October and November, I can’t help but feel almost every metropolitan race in Melbourne and Sydney is gaining promotion to Group or Listed status.
In September, the Australian Racing Board (ARB) upgraded 14 races to a higher status, while downgrading none. This came after 41 races were upgraded by the ARB in March 2013, none of which are run over more than 1600m.
I understand the importance of the breeding industry, but these upgrades are diminishing the value of stakes racing.
Programming is also having a major impact on the quality of these races. Last Saturday’s Reginald Allen Quality was well documented as being below-par and this week’s Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington looks like following suit. With a Group 1 the following week, it is clear why these races have and will struggle to attract quality gallopers.
Programming in the lead up to the Epsom has also been strange, with the Theo Marks (1400m), the Cameron (1500m), the George Main (1600m) and the Bill Ritchie (1400m) all held within eight days. When you include the Shannon Stakes from last week, it is no wonder field sizes are struggling.
Recent changes to the Thousand Guineas will affect the Flight Stakes at Randwick. Having two 1600m Group 1s for three-year-old fillies a week apart lacks common sense and will effect the quality of both events.
The Melbourne Racing Club has also stated their desire to build the Caulfield Classic over 2000m for three-year-olds into a Group 1, however this will have clear ramifications for the Spring Champion Stakes.
Additionally, the ARB cleared the Randwick Guineas and Australian Guineas to be conducted on the same day in 2015. Yes, two Group 1s on the same day, held under the same conditions.
The ARB must be firmer and use more common sense in their decision making. Forget about percentages and ratings and look at how each carnival can deliver quality fields with clear and sensible programming.
If it takes some shifting and downgrading, it will benefit racing in the future and ensure the best horses compete against each other.
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