Lexus Stakes

The Lexus Stakes (formerly Saab Quality) is a Victoria Racing Club Group 3 Australian Thoroughbred horse race held under quality handicap conditions, for horses aged four years old and upwards, over a distance of 2500 metres. It is held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Victoria Derby Day. Total prize money for the race is A$250,000 and $1,500 trophy. 1st $150,000 and a trophy of $1,500, 2nd $45,000, 3rd $22,500, 5th $6,250, 7th $5,000, 8th $5,000. This race has the Registered Name of Hotham Handicap.

Historically the race has been a traditional lead-up for the Melbourne Cup three days later, with the winner gaining exemption from any ballot for entry to the Cup. Shocking won both races in 2009.

The race is also famous due to a triple dead-heat in 1956 involving Fighting Force, Ark Royal and Pandie Sun.

As a "Quality Race", the weights are assigned as in a handicap, but with a maximum weight of 60 kg and a minimum weight of 52 kg.

Race History

Distance

1869 - 1971 held over 12 furlongs (approx. 2400m)<br>1972 onwards held over 2500m

Class

1869–1978 was a Principal Race<br>1979–1980 was a Group 3<br>1981–2003 was a Group 2<br>2004 onwards Group 3

Name

1869 - 1978 the race was known as the ‘Hotham Handicap’<br>1979 - 1993 the race was known as ‘The Dalgety’<br>1994 - 1995 the race was known as the ‘Crown Quality’<br>1996 the race was known as the ‘Ten News...
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