Morphettville Racing Track

Morphettville Racecourse, also known as Allan Scott Park in honour of the late businessman Archibald Allan Scott, is widely considered one of the premier racecourses in the southern hemisphere. The track has a circumference of 2,339m and features four wide, flowing turns that are easy to navigate. These open bends ensure every runner has a genuine opportunity to reach the judge first at the end of the 334m home straight.

Located just 10km from Adelaide’s city centre, Morphettville sits within 25 hectares of picturesque gardens. Racing is held every Saturday, and the venue offers a range of hospitality options to suit different preferences. Facilities include the Adelaide Cup Room, Chairman’s Room, Diva Lounge, Leilani Room, Panasonic Pavilion, and the Phar Lap Room.

Morphettville hosts South Australia’s most prestigious racing events, including the Adelaide Cup, Australasian Oaks, and Robert Sangster Stakes in March, followed by the Group 1 SA Derby and the Goodwood Handicap in May.

Barriers:

1000m – Races begin on the course proper with around 400m before the home turn, giving inside barriers a slight advantage.

1100m – Follows the same starting position as the 1000m, but with an additional 100m before the home turn, slightly reducing the benefit of inside draws.

1200m – Runners start from a small chute away from the course proper and have approximately 600m before reaching the home turn.

1600m – The start moves to the back straight on the course proper. Competitors enjoy about 300m of straight running before the first of two turns, providing inside barriers with a minor advantage.

1800m – Begins further up the back straight from a chute. The extra 200m of straight at the start reduces the advantage inside barriers hold compared to shorter distances.

2000m – Races start from a chute off the course proper and represent the shortest distance where runners negotiate three turns. With only about 150m to the first turn, inside barriers offer the best chance to settle into a favourable position.

2400m – Runners begin on the home straight just before the winning post. There is again only around 150m to the first turn, but the wide, sweeping bend limits any advantage for inside draws.

3200m – Starting before the home turn, this staying distance requires runners to negotiate five turns. Barrier position provides no clear advantage.