Cup Week review VRC's priority

The Victoria Racing Club will complete a full review of its Melbourne Cup Carnival before considering any changes to its Cup Week program.

Racing.com understands Racing Victoria is open to a number a changes to the Cup Week program - most notably moving the Melbourne Cup win-and-you're-in Archer Stakes from Derby Day and adding an extra race to both Derby and Champions Days.

However, the VRC will need to agree to any changes to its Cup Week program.

RV introduced a 10th race to Saturday meetings earlier this year with great success and the wagering figures from the early spring Group 1 meetings back that up.

Those meetings saw wagering turnover increase four per cent, bucking the trend of wagering decline on racing across the country.

There are a number of sticking points RV and the VRC will need to find an agreement on before any changes are made.

Racing.com understands there are concerns that the extra racing will heap more pressure on the Flemington track across the carnival, especially if there is rain forecast.

The length of day for participants and racegoers is also a concern.

The future of the Archer Stakes also looms as an interesting proposition. Currently run on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, the race is the last ticket into the Melbourne Cup for those who are not in the top 24 in the Order of Entry.

However, the race hasn't produced a Cup winner since Shocking in 2009, while some trainers are mindful of the short back-up into the race if their horse wins.

The race could be moved to earlier in the spring, giving a genuine Melbourne Cup contender a chance to secure a spot earlier in the carnival.

It could also help boost the strength of the Moonee Valley Gold, Geelong and Bendigo Cups as connections chase weight penalties to move up the order of entry.

RV also sees it as a chance to boost wagering on the Melbourne Cup, given post-barrier draw markets will be up earlier and also showcase the race's barrier draw better.

Currently it is held in the Flemington mounting yard after the last race on Derby Day.

Racing.com understands the VRC is about to embark on its Cup Week review, but any announcements won't be made until the new year.

"With respect to the Melbourne Cup Carnival race program, this is carefully considered by the VRC to maintain the carnival's world-class status," CEO Steve Rosich said.

"The annual review process will commence shortly and it is premature to discuss any possible changes."