Maribyrnong Plate

The Maribyrnong Plate is a Group 3 race run under Set Weights conditions for two year olds at Flemington conducted by the Victoria Racing Club.

The Maribyrnong Plate is run over 1000m. It was first run in 1871 and was won by Argus Scandal.

The race is effectively named after the River which runs from the 2000m chute into the back part of Flemington.

It was always run on the first day of the carnival but in recent times has moved to the final day. From 2018 it moved to Oaks day and in 2020 to Cup day.

The Maribyrnong Plate was a Principal Race until 1979 then Group 2 before back to Group 3 in 2005.

Up until 1994 it was five furlongs, then 1200m then 1100m before back to 1000m from 1996.

In recent times, the winners have not gone onto much fanfare however some elite sprinters, especially as juveniles, have won big races in the past. Nadeem, Bel Esprit, Testa Rossa, Canny Lad, Baguette and Vain are just some of the feature winners.

Last filly to win before Vinicunca was Real Stolle in 2011.

The Maribyrnong Plate was worth $200,000 in 2023.

Notable winners of the Maribyrnong Plate include General Truce (2009), Husson Lightning (2006), Nadeem (2005), Bel Esprit (2001), Testa Rossa (1998), Flavour (1995), Canny Lad (1989), Show County (1988), Rancho Ruler (1986), New Atlantis (1984), Rancher (1981), Blazing Saddles (1976), Scamanda (1973), Baguette (1969), Vain (1968), Biscay (1967), Fine And Dandy (1958), Heroic (1923) and Newminster (1875).

The 2023 Maribyrnong Plate was won by Dublin Down from Blue Stratum and Odinson.