AAMI Vase

AAMI Vase

Australia is a country that is passionate about horse racing. So much so, that its popularity rivals some of Australia’s iconic sports, such as cricket and tennis. Enthusiastic fans from all over Australia and New Zealand come to watch and enjoy the race meets that are held all over the country.

One of the most popular races held at the Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne is the AAMI Vase. This is a race for Australian thoroughbreds and has been assigned a Group 2 category. This racing event is conducted exclusively for horses more than three years old (under set conditions of weight). The AAMI Vase takes place over a distance of 2040 metres and offers AUD $205,000 in prize money.

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Adjustments to the AAMI Vase

The AAMI Vase racing event commenced in 1983. Races were initially held over a distance of 1600 metres until 1985. From the year 1986, the course was increased to 2040 metres. The AAMI Vase was a listed race from its commencement until 1988. It was categorised as a Group 3 event from 1989 to 1996. From 1997 onwards, this race was assigned Group 2 status.

Apart from the changes in Group categories of the AAMI Vase over the years, there have also been name changes. The AAMI Vase has only been known as its current name since 1993. Prior to this, the Vase was known by various names, including: ‘The Herald Vase’ (from 1983 to 1989); the ‘Herald Sun Vase’ (in 1990); and, the ‘BMW Vase’ from 1991 to 1992.

The Moonee Valley Race Track

The Moonee Valley race track – where the AAMI Vase is run – is located in Melbourne, Victoria. The Moonee Valley Racing Club manages this prestigious course. The track itself is 1805 metres in circumference and has a home straight of 173 metres. The straight is known to be the shortest in Australia. This is advantageous to those horses that are pace runners as they enter the straight and also front runners. This makes the Moonee Valley course a specialist track.

This is the only track which has a StrathAyr surface. Moonee Valley is safe, highly resilient and has a natural grass track. The drainage layer at the base is of pipes and gravel. Below this layer, there is a sand layer. The root zone layer on the top is reinforced with elements, such as ReFlex mesh. Ever since the StrathAyr surface was introduced, there has not been a single instance of cancelled races due to the state of the track.

In the 1000 metre races at Moonee Valley, the start is located at the rear of the course. It links up with the course proper, cutting diagonally across the field at the 600 metre mark. As runners enter the home straight, they are required to negotiate a sweeping turn.

The 1200 metre race at the Moonee Valley track on the other hand, starts at the rear and takes riders through a straight run of 300 metres to the first two turns. This course offers horses and jockeys an inside barrier advantage. The 1600 metre Moonee Valley race starts runners off 400 metres prior to the course proper. Lesser importance is given to barrier draws in this race.

The 2040 metres at the Moonee Valley Track – of which the AAMI Vase is – offers disadvantage to wide barrier runners going into the first turn. The 2600 metre race commences 800 metres to the course proper from a chute. The first turn occurs after 400 metres, with the barriers inside offering quite an advantage. The 3000 metre race at the Moonee Valley track starts from the rear of the course. In this race, no barrier is advantaged due to the distance.

As with every other horse race, a lot of people indulge in betting on the AAMI Vase. Backing the horse of your choice and watching it perform is a thrill that cannot be expressed in words. With the advent of the Internet, this experience can be attained a whole lot easier. There are online sites that offer you – the punter – betting tips and systems. You don’t actually have to go to a race to enjoy the thrill of following it.

Serious betting is all about knowing the capabilities and recent performance of various horses and their jockeys. You can find all this information online when you place a wager. Other factors that help predict a winner is the level of fitness of a horse on race day. You can also tap into this information online.

As you choose a horse to back at the AAMI Vase, there are a few tips you should remember. Look for quality horses with at least a 20% winning percentage. Horses that are bred and trained in top stables are bound to be more successful. It is also wise not to place all your eggs in one basket. Distribute your bets. Backing more than one horse increases your chances of winning.

If you are an inexperienced punter and want to bet on the AAMI Vase race, choose from one of the expert bookmakers who will guide your betting decision. There are a lot of licensed bookmakers in Australia offering online betting options. Customers are presented with fantastic client service and there are a lot of good racing products on offer from these bookmakers.

If you love horse racing, then the AAMI Vase is a must for you. Don’t worry about travelling to the event. Forget the hassles of getting time off work. Just choose a good online bookmaker and place all your bets online. Whether you place a punt from your home, the office or even while travelling, betting on the AAMI Vase is only a couple of mouse clicks away. It couldn’t be simpler or more convenient.

Don’t forget to have a bet on the Melbourne Cup, Crown Oaks and Emirates Stakes all held during the famous Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.