Hotham Handicap

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The Saab Quality (aka Hotham Handicap) is a Group 3 quality handicap race held over a distance of 2500 metres. It is held annually at Flemington racecourse on Derby Day which includes the Group 1 events the Victoria Derby, Mackinnon Stakes, Coolmore Stud Stakes and Myer Classic. It is the last distance race held under handicap conditions of the carnival prior to the Melbourne Cup and as such, is a good race for horses to contest as a warm up for the Cup itself.

It has a long history dating back to 1869 and was won last year by Moatize. Notable winners include Brew, Allez Bijou, Reckless, Think Big and Shadow King. It is interesting to note that a filly has never won this race ever, while the last 3-year-old to win Metford in 1897. So look for older horses in this race.

There are no real standout lead up races to the Saab Quality, but be sure to analyse races such as the Geelong Cup, Coongy Handicap and the Herbert Power Stakes which are very similar in distance and conditions.