Mv Vase

Race Preview

The AAMI Vase (aka Moonee Valley Vase) is a Group 2 event held annually at Moonee Valley racecourse in Melbourne, the same day as the Group 1 WS Cox Plate. The race is commonly used as a lead up race to the Group 1 Victorian Derby and is held over a distance of 2040 metres for 3-year-olds, at set weights conditions. It carries prize money of $200,000 and usually attracts a quality field.

The race was first run in 1981 and was upgraded to Group 2 status in 1997. Some fabulous horses have won this race over the years including Efficient (2006), Plastered (2004), Helenus (2002), Diatribe (1999), Gold Guru (1997), Alfa (1996) and Naturalism (1991). Since the race first began, only one filly has ever won the race, that being Rockets Galore in 1994.

The Caulfield Guineas has been a great guide to the AAMI Vase in recent years, with the majority of winners coming through the race. This year’s Caulfield Guineas was taken out by the impressive Starspangledbanner at odds of $13.00, ahead of Carrara and Manhattan Rain. The Stutt Stakes also held over 1600m at set weights is another good guide as well.