The Caulfield Cup:

Total Prize: AU$2.5million

Official Website: http://www.melbourneracingclub.net.au

First run: 1879

Qualification: Open Handicap, 3yr olds and up.

Distance: 2400 metres (approx 1 1/2 miles)

Course Record: 2:25.32

Track: Turf, left handed.

Track Bias: Ideal barriers are inside stall 10. The start is located at the top of the home straight, there is a run of approx. 300m before the first turn. Those drawn wide must hustle forward early to gain a good position, this makes it difficult for horses carrying the higher weights if they are not drawn well. Racing in the first half of the field is preferred, as it is hard to make ground from too far back, especially when the rail is out 6 metres or more - as it often is for the Caulfield Cup.

History: The key race of Caulfield's Spring Carnival program, positioned on the racing calendar two weeks ahead of Melbourne Cup week at Flemington and generally regarded as one of the key lead-up race to Australia's top handicap horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup. Attracting a top class field of middle distance stayers, this race has been won by many Australian champions including: Rising Fast (1954 & 55), Tulloch (1957),  Galilee (1966), Tobin Bronze (1967), Let's Elope (1991), Mannerism (1992), Doriemus (1995), Might And Power (1997), Northerly (2002).

Form analysis: look for runners who are drawn to race in the first half of the field and carrying 56kgs or less. Top weights will often struggle unless they are able to get a clear break from the field at the top of the straight.

Related Races: Melbourne Cup | Cox Plate | Victoria Derby.

Caulfield Cup - Melbourne Cup Double: Posiedon (1906), The Trump (1937), Rivette (1939), Rising Fast (1954), Even Stevens (1962), Galilee (1966), Gurners Lane (1982), Let's Elope (1991), Doriemus (1995), Might And Power (1997), Ethereal (2001). 2008 Melbourne Cup winner Viewed won the 2009 Caulfield Cup.

Betting on the Caulfield Cup is available online at Sportsbet.com.au.