Date switch for G1 Melbourne Cup qualifier

Melbourne Cup contenders will know their fate of gaining a start almost a week before the race with the Victoria Racing Club announcing a change to their programming on Victoria Derby Day.

The Archer Stakes, previously the Hotham Handicap, run on Derby Day was the last chance for a contender to receive a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup three days later.

The VRC has moved the Archer Stakes to the Makybe Diva Stakes meeting on September 14 this year while the race still offers the ‘Golden Ticket’ into November’s Melbourne Cup.

The Archer Stakes is one of four staying races at Flemington that offers a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup, joining The Roy Higgins in March, The Andrew Ramsden in May and The Bart Cummings on Turnbull Stakes Day in October.

Shocking in 2009 was the last horse to complete the Archer Stakes – Melbourne Cup double while Prince Of Arran in 2018 gained a Cup start in 2018 by winning the Archer before running third three days later.

Other programming announcements made by the VRC will see the Group 3 Vanity Stakes switched from its autumn date to run on Derby Day, providing an undercard of all races at Group level, the only race meeting in Australia to hold such status.

The Amanda Elliott Stakes moves from the final day, Champions Day to Melbourne Cup Day while the Chester Manifold Stakes has been added to Oaks Day, moving from New Year’s Day.

Leigh Jordon, the VRC Executive General Manager Racing, said the changes have been designed to enhance the overall program at Flemington.

“We’re continually looking at how we can improve the quality of spring racing at Flemington in consultation with key stakeholders including Racing Victoria, trainers and owners,” Jordon said.

“The move of the Vanity onto Victoria Derby Day ensures the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival continues to be a favourite for racing purists with every race at group level.

“It’s been well over a decade since the Archer Stakes provided the winner of the Melbourne Cup and we feel it will have more relevance earlier on in the spring program.

“The move allows connections to plan their journey earlier towards the first Tuesday in November with more certainty.”

Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager Racing Matt Welsh said the changes will elevate racing across the state.

He said RV supports the move of the Archer Stakes which will provide local connections another opportunity of securing a start in the Melbourne Cup while at the same time strengthening the Geelong, Moonee Valley and Bendigo Cups connections search of gaining a last-minute Cup start.

2024 VRC spring changes

Group 3 Vanity on Victoria Derby Day, Saturday 2 November.

Group 3 Archer Stakes on Makybe Diva Stakes Day, Saturday 14 September.

Listed Amanda Elliott on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 5 November.

Inglis Banner on Champions Stakes Day, Saturday 9 November.

Listed Chester Manifold on Oaks Day, Thursday 7 November.

Group 3 Ottawa Stakes, autumn 2025.

Listed Desirable Stakes, autumn 2025.