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.
When Robert Anderson had it, it didnt seem to have much confidence and just appeared to be a battling maiden!
The last few starts that Bruce Negus has had it, it is upright and stronger looking and its last few runs have been super tough.
Would be interesting to find out what Bruce puts the dramatic improvement down to, as it has been huge?