There was an interesting article in The Age last week that discussed the yawning chasm between the Melbourne Cup (which continues to go from strength to strength courtesy of the ever expanding girth of its prize pool, and some exceptional international marketing on behalf of the VRC) whilst at the other end of the spectrum the other so-called "big 3200-metre races" are struggling for relevance.

The writer states: "The cups in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide are no longer the premier events of their respective carnivals and are falling so far behind the Melbourne Cup in terms of prizemoney and significance that there is little resemblance to that race, other than that they also are run over 3200 metres. Just slower and with relatively few people watching. Or betting."

"It seems the sport of distance thoroughbred racing has lost its appeal for most breeders, owners, punters and, seemingly, officials for all but one day of the year. So what is to become of the Melbourne Cup?"

The logical answer will, of course, be music to the international promoters of "the race that stops a nation" but of less comfort to those who get cold feet at the thought of an increasing number of international raiders descending on Melbourne with the sole purpose of carting off the Cup.

The author does has a point however - we are straying more and more to a quick return on the hefty investments made in the yearling ring, the ever enticing dollars of the rich 2yo sprints ensuring that the "good old days" where horses were left in their paddocks until they were 3yo's is, sadly, rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

And if you needed any further convincing - the home of the stayer - New Zealand - announced last week that one of its studs (Ashwell Farm) will stand the 2yo G3 Canberra Black Opal Stakes-winner & stakes-placed 3YO Handsome Ransom. Ashwell proprietor Ray Knight stated: "This is the 1st time we have been able to secure a top-class Australian speed-oriented 2YO of the highest quality to join our stallion line-up. In the past we have stood middle-distance stallion types which have been suitable for NZ's traditional classic horse market. But the sales market has changed markedly & it is now vital to offer buyers horses which will show early maturity & Handsome Ransom demonstrated blistering speed as a 2YO."

Interesting times are these.