Saab Quality
| Group 3 race | |
| Location | Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1869 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Lexus (2016) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2,500 metres |
| Surface | Turf |
| Qualification | Three year olds and older that are not maidens |
| Weight | Quality handicap |
| Purse | $300,000 (2016) |
| Bonuses | Exemption from ballot for Melbourne Cup |
The Lexus Stakes, registered as the Hotham Handicap, is a Victoria Racing Club Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race for horses three years old and older, held under quality handicap conditions, over a distance of 2500 metres, held annually at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia on Victoria Derby Day. Total prize money for the race is A$300,000 and $1,500 trophy.
Historically the race has been a traditional lead-up for the Melbourne Cup three days later, with the winner gaining exemption from any ballot for entry to the Cup.
As a "Quality Race", the weights are assigned as in a handicap, but with a maximum weight of 60 kg and a minimum weight of 52 kg.
The race is also famous due to a triple dead-heat in 1956 involving Fighting Force, Ark Royal and Pandie Sun.
The following thoroughbreds have won the Hotham Handicap – Melbourne Cup in the same year.
† Deadheat
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Wikipedia