Yes, I do feel silly for starting a thread about it this early. But there has been news.

Another race has been announced as having a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup. The Andrew Ramsden, to be held on May 29th next year, will give locals a greater chance of making the final field. Its timing is ahead of the Spring arrival of international raiders. This follows particularly strident criticism of the race becoming too "international" in recent editions.

This year's victor was Sin To Win, who had an Official Rating of 84 at the time, which increased to 94 during the Spring. Megablast is similarly a 6yo gelding, was among the final acceptances, has a rating of 102 and was given 52.5kg for the big race. Arguably Sin To Win would have been given 50kg (the minimum weight for 4yo&up horses), so would possible have already been 1.5kg off the pace.

Of course the standard would be expected to be raised an account of the announcement. Also sweetening the pot: an increase in prizemoney from $200k to $400k.

The other change is in the race conditions. It will drop down to 2800m from the previous 3200m, and entry will be limited to 3 to 5yo's. The rationale, according to the Victoria Racing Club, being an effort "aimed to afford Australia’s brightest young stayers the chance to compete" in the Melbourne Cup. The race will also now be held under weight-for-age conditions.

Per the VRC CEO: "Unlike the other four Lexus Melbourne Cup ballot exempt races, the timing of The Andrew Ramsden outside of spring means the winner can have their program tailored towards the Lexus Melbourne Cup, something which owners and trainers will appreciate."


...now I'll just have to remember this thread exists in a few months' time!