Imperatriz winning the 2023 Mittys McEwen Stakes
Sprinters competing in the Group 2 Mittys McEwen Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day will have an added incentive this year, with the winner earning a spot in Southside Racing’s slot race, The Meteorite (1200m), worth $1 million.
This new race will be held on Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day, Saturday, 23 November.
Moonee Valley Racing Club is one of 14 slot holders in the Southside Slot Series, providing a significant opportunity for sprinters competing in this year’s Mittys McEwen Stakes.
Previously run earlier in the Spring Carnival over 1000m, the Mittys McEwen Stakes is now the feature sprint on the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival programme, with an increase in distance to 1200m.
The race’s honour roll includes sprinting stars such as Miss Andretti, Hay List, Buffering, Chautauqua, Nature Strip, and 2023 winner Imperatriz.
Moonee Valley Racing Club Head of Racing Charlotte Mills said the golden ticket incentive brought an exciting new dimension to a race that consistently attracts top-tier talent.
“The Mittys McEwen Stakes is one of the Club’s premier sprint races and serves as a fitting replacement for the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes during the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival,” Mills said.
“The added bonus of the winner earning entry into a $1 million race provides an outstanding opportunity for the sprinters lining up on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.”
“The Mittys McEwen Stakes honour roll underscores the race's significance to the Club, and we’re eagerly anticipating this year’s edition.”
Southside Racing General Manager of Racing Alastair Dwyer said it was fantastic to have a Win And You’re In race for The Meteorite on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.
“Southside Racing is thrilled to have the Moonee Valley Racing Club take part in the Southside Slot Series through the purchase of a slot.”
“To announce the time-honoured Group 2 Mittys McEwen Stakes on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day as a Win And You’re In race to The Meteorite adds a great incentive to the runners in this year’s field and adds further intrigue ahead of the $1 million 1200m feature race on Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day.
“We commend the MVRC for this exciting initiative and can’t wait to see who comes out victorious on what is one of Australia’s most prestigious racedays on the calendar.”
The Mittys McEwen Stakes is run under Weight-For-Age conditions, while The Meteorite is conducted under Set Weights and Penalties.
Connections of the horse running in the Club’s slot for The Meteorite will receive all stipulated prizemoney won in the race, with the MVRC contributing the slot entry cost on their behalf. Second and third placegetters will receive the next offer, respectively, in the event that the Winner does not accept the slot.
Nominations for the Mittys McEwen Stakes will close at 12 pm on Monday, October 21.
View full Terms & Conditions here.