FLEMINGTON

Circumference 2312m
Straight 450m

Victorians will have you believe this is the number 1 track in Australia, and they do have a case to a point. Located about 5km north west of Melbourne this is headquarters for the VRC and the Melbourne Cup.

Terrific long straight, gives every horse their chance.

The 1000m, 1100m and 1200m starting points are in the chute so horses do not have to go around a bend. The only problem this causes is when there is a track bias from inside rail to outside rail, a fact punters usually don't know until after the last race. Generally, most horses have their chance from whatever barrier they draw, that s the idea anyway.

The 3200m starting points gives runners almost a 900m run to the first turn. The 2000m starting point gives runners almost a 600m run to the first turn so both these positions are excellent.

The 2500m & 1400m are not as palatable for punters. The 2500m gives runners barely a 200m run to the winning post which then encompasses a sharp turn down the river side, horses don't want to be trapped deep here.

The 1400m is probably worse with barely a 100m run to the first turn, and on a bend the runners remain until the straighten. Inside barriers a distinct advantage here.

Overall, a classic race course, one worthy of entertaining our Number 1 race of the year.