Staying races in Victoria will receive a major boost in 2009 through a series of initiatives announced by RVL in conjunction with Victorian race clubs.
A 3yo staying series comprising five races will be staged over distances ranging from 1800m to 2200m commencing in February 2009 and culminating with a final over 2400m in April 2009, leading into the $200,000 Listed 2800m VRC St Leger on April 25 2009.
Additionally in 2009, a series of further initiatives will involve the $200,000 Listed Mornington Cup on February 18 increasing in distance from 2000m to 2400m; the creation of a new race – the $150,000 Moonee Valley Night Cup over 2500m to be run on February 27; the $100,000 VRC Roy Higgins Quality on March 14 increasing in distance to 2600m, and the VRC Bagot Handicap on New Years Day increasing in distance to 2800m.
The VRC have also indicated that several of their $100,000 2500m races during the Autumn will be increased in distance to 2600m.
The five heats and final of the 3yo staying series are as follows:
> Heat 1 – Friday February 20 Moonee Valley $100,000 3yo Open Handicap 2040m
> Heat 2 – Monday March 9 Moonee Valley $60,000 3yo Open Handicap 2040m
> Heat 3 – Thursday March 19 Bendigo $21,500 3yo 0-68 Handicap 2200m
> Heat 4 – Saturday March 28 Caulfield $60,000 3yo Open Handicap 2000m
> Heat 5 – Saturday April 4 Caulfield $60,000 3yo Open Handicap 1800m
> Final – Saturday April 11 Caulfield $100,000 3yo Open Handicap 2400m
