For a three month trial period from 1 January 2015, Globe Derby will have seven horses across the front row for both mobile and standing start races. Field sizes will remain at a maximum of 10 horses except for the SA Cup which will have 11 starters plus an emergency.
As a consequence, the barrier draw for the 2015 SA Pacing Cup has been amended. It will now be as follows:
Barrier positions will be drawn in 2 groups. From the final acceptors, the 6 horses with the lowest career prizemoney less 2yo earnings will draw randomly for barriers 1,2,3,4,8 & 9. The 6 horses with the highest career prizemoney less 2yo earnings will draw randomly for barriers 5,6,7,10,11 & 12.
This will bring Globe Derby in line with metropolitan tracks across Australia, where a minimum of seven horses are drawn on the front line.
The benefits include allowing an additional horse the option of progressing forward at the start and a possible reduction in false starts and interference directly after the start. It could also influence betting.
A review will be conducted at the end of the trial period.
Barbara Scott
Chair of Stewards