Trent,

Why would they bring a horse like Dubai Millenium to Melbourne for a 2 mile handicap?

1. It would get about 63 kgs
2. Does diddly squat for stud value - probably a detriment.
3. Money not an issue - prestige is. Despite what we are brainwashed into thinking, the world sees the Cup as a place to send their plodders - Vinnie a possible exception. None of the world class racehorses have ever come for the Cup and they never will. You'd be mad. There are a dozen or more highly prestigious races run over classic distance under WFA. The Cup is not as big as we think it is as far as a quality event goes. Breeders Cup on the same weekend in the States is where the real horses went.

Make the Australian Cup a $8 million event on the World Racing Circuit and you might get a few here.

The Cox Plate at the Valley ( like a walking tread it is so tight ) so close to Breeders Cup is no hope of getting a REAL good horse either.