THE countdown to Victoria’s 2013 Spring Racing Carnival has officially begun with today’s closure of nominations for four of the Carnival’s marquee races.

Entries have been taken for the following races which are among the highlights of Australia’s premier racing, social and fashion event which runs from 21 September to 24 November:

·         $3m Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m) – Moonee Valley, 26 October

·         $2.5m BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) – Caulfield, 19 October

·         $1m BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) – Caulfield, 12 October

·         $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) – Caulfield, 16 October

Racing Victoria (RV) Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, was delighted with the quality of entries received and said the countdown to each would be captivating.

“The release of nominations for the Spring Racing Carnival’s premier races always carries much anticipation for connections, racing fans and punters who are looking to debate the merits of contenders and place an early bet on the futures markets,” Carpenter said.

“I’m delighted with the quality of nominations received for each of the feature races with a blend of local, international and imported talent sure to deliver memorable contests befitting the history and prestige of these great races.”

A total of 158 horses, including 12 internationals representing France, Ireland and the United Kingdom, have been nominated for Australia’s weight-for-age championship, the Cox Plate.

Headlining the entries are New Zealand star It’s A Dundeel, unbeaten heroine Atlantic Jewel, her Australia Cup-winning stablemate Super Cool, 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon and the 2013 Cup favourite Puissance de Lune.

“There’s a intriguing mix of horses entered for the Cox Plate with over 30 three-year-olds complementing Australasia’s new and emerging stars, 12 international entries and an imposing list of imported entries from the Waterhouse, Waller and Hickmott stables,” Carpenter said.

“It’s significant that the connections of It’s A Dundeel, Puissance de Lune and Atlantic Jewel have nominated for the Cox Plate only meaning the race will be a genuine focal point for three of Australasian racing’s biggest names.”

The Caulfield Cup, the world’s richest 2400-metre turf handicap, has attracted 173 entrants including nine of the first 10 horses home in last year’s Melbourne Cup.

Headlining the 20 international entrants from France, Ireland and the UK are this year’s Dubai World Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux, Melbourne Cup placegetter Jakkalberry and in-form stablemate Dandino and reigning Irish St Leger winner Royal Diamond.

“The internationalisation of Australian racing is best evidenced by the fact that 78 Northern Hemisphere-bred horses are nominated for this year’s Caulfield Cup, making up 45% of the total entries,” Carpenter said.

“The trend of less speculative entries for our feature Cups has continued with this year’s race, but pleasingly the quality remains very high and we still have some intriguing entries like the unbeaten three-year-old Prince Harada.”

Golden Slipper winner Overreach, Blue Diamond heroine Miracles Of Life and Champagne Stakes star Guelph headline the 196 three-year-old fillies nominated for the Thousand Guineas, whilst 235 colts and geldings, including Clevadude and Cauthen, were entered for the Caulfield Guineas.

First acceptances for all four races will be taken on Tuesday, 10 September, with weights for the Caulfield Cup to be released on 4 September.

RACING VICTORIA MEDIA RELEASE