They even used to have a race for 2yo fillies. Perish the thought these days.
They are probably busy organising a slot race on the AWT. And if they weren't, but now think that's a great idea, I would expect some sort of royalty for the inspiration.
Going back even further...there was a 2 year old parade, just up the straight, run at the National meeting, often two heats of a dozen or more babies. No shortage of youngsters then.
Along with the ordinary handicap two year old races, the first major aim following that was the McLean Stakes at Otago, into the Welcome Stakes at Cup time, the Otago two year old race on Boxing day [ DJC Champagne I think ] then the Challenge at the Midsummer meet, then the Champagne at Easter. sigh...structure...
It will be interesting to see how many they get for the Cashmere Plate. The CJC has taken it upon themselves to run one 2yo race since the Champagne 3 months ago. Obviously working on the theory there are heaps of 2yos just waiting in the wings until they turn 3 before they get going.
The old model where they ran the Haldon Plate in July seemed to work ok. The Haldon often got divided too. But who are we to think we know more than the highly paid experts.