Many factors contribute to a horse winning a race.

If you don't believe Melbourne spring racing is the world's best example of thoroughbred racing, check your pulse.

Gai Waterhouse will have two runners in the Melbourne Cup with Excess Knowledge winning his way into the field " twice.

Trainer Mick Price's Victoria Derby drought has ended with Tarzino giving his rivals a staying lesson in the $1.5 million race.

Blathwayt was off the fence at the right time and he finished off powerfully in the straight for the seventh win of his 22-start career.

Gailo Chop became the second northern hemisphere-trained Mackinnon Stakes winner in three runnings after Side Glance scored for English trainer Andrew Balding in 2013.

Amarula and Stradivarius will both go to the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton as will fifth placed Rocanto.

Extra security is guarding Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey after gunshots were fired into the front of his house.

On any normal day Smolda's sizzling victory in the Flying Stakes at Ashburton would have made him the star of the show.

Mongolian Khan's victory was comprehensive in every way. For trainer Murray Baker it was the 16th group one in Australia, Mongolian Khan's extreme stamina was evident and for Bosson it was a triumph of discipline.

The accident looked shocking on two levels - not only Ottley's brutal landing but fellow driver Natalie Ramussen being run over by three horses.

I'm not sure I should be writing this. There are others - colleagues, family - who are far better placed to do it.

Hong Kong-based Zac Purton was called before stewards to explain his ride on Japanese stayer Fame Game in the Caulfield Cup.

Potential bad luck and two Japanese horses stand between New Zealanders Mongolian Khan and Volkstok'n'barrell and A$3 million Caulfield Cup glory this afternoon.

Damien Oliver's chances of a record-equalling fifth Caulfield Cup have been strengthened by barrier three for his mount Snow Sky.

It would be a major mistake to rate yesterday's Avondale races as a typical midweek race meeting.

Brendon Hill is sending the best horse he has owned to another trainer and he hopes he never gets him back.