COOLMORE STUD STAKES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

HISTORY:

* Formerly known as Ascot Vale Stakes and upgraded to Group One in 2006

* The Ascot Vale was first run for three-year-olds with set weights and penalties in 1969 when won by Vain. Prior to that it was a race for two-year-olds

NOTABLE WINNERS:

* Vain (1969), Century (1972), Taj Rossi (1973), Toy Show (1975), Surround (1976), Manikato (1978), Rancher (1982), Campaign King (1985), Zeditave (1988), Weekend Hussler (2007) and Zoustar (2013)

TALKING POINTS:

* In 1995 New Zealander Our Maizcay set race record of 1:08.2 which still stands

* Only five horses contested 1999 renewal with 50-1 shot Spargo upsetting favourite Testa Rossa

* Fillies have won four of last 10. Three run this year – Earthquake, Eloping and Bring Me The Maid

STRAIGHT COURSE: Flemington hosts the only straight-track races in Australia. Fields can sometimes split towards the inside and outside fences. Half of the 16 runners have experience down the straight and three have won over the straight course – Rich Enuff, Nostradamus and Bring Me The Maid.

RACE TEMPO: Should be strong. Rubick and Earthquake will show speed from inside draws. Time For War should be prominent from midfield alley while Eloping and Kuro add pace out wide.

THE FAVOURITE: Rich Enuff showed his affinity for the Flemington straight six with a Danehill Stakes victory earlier this spring. A last-start second over 1600m in the Caulfield Guineas he has to cope with a distance drop to 1200m. Weekend Hussler managed it in 2007 winning the Caulfield Guineas-Ascot Vale Stakes double.