The Australian Pattern Committee (AusPC) has approved a request to run the AAMI Hobart Cup over 2400-metres (an increase of 200-metres) in 2013.
Tasracing CEO Eliot Forbes said the winner of the $225,000 Group 3 race at Tattersall’s Park on Sunday 10 February would now pass the first ballot clause for the 2013 Melbourne Cup.
“The Melbourne Cup is becoming increasingly difficult for Australians entrants to qualify for,” he said. “This will aid the qualification process.”
Dr Forbes said the overall strength of the 2012 AAMI Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival was confirmed by the AusPC with all Group and Listed races achieving ratings in excess of minimum benchmarks.
“The AusPC ratings are important for Group and Listed races to maintain their black type status,” he said.
“Both the AAMI Hobart and AAMI Launceston Cups featured high quality fields in 2012.
“The 2012 Hobart Cup achieved its highest AusPC rating since 2000, while the Launceston Cup rating was its highest since 2009.
“The listed Vamos Stakes, for the second year in succession, rated above its benchmark meeting Group 3 level.
Dr Forbes said Tasracing was very pleased with the result.
“It reaffirms the commercial decisions Tasracing took regarding stakes and our belief that the prize money on offer would be sufficient to attract quality horses from both Tasmania and interstate,” he said.