Wednesday Racing News: So You Are wins Bendigo Cup but still needs help

Coalition pledges $72 million to Victorian racing

The Victorian Liberal and Nationals Coalition has committed $72 million over four years to the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) if elected at the upcoming state election.

Shadow Minister for Racing Tim McCurdy announced the commitment at Bendigo Cup Day on Wednesday, pledging $18 million annually.

The announcement secures bipartisan support for one of the Victorian racing industry's key funding programs.

CWR Review & Preview – big winners and Derby Day ahead

Chris and Charlie are back in the studio for another edition of the CWR Review & Preview Show, looking back at a big weekend of racing.

Highlights include Lazzura's $2 million The Invitation victory, Declichy Boulevard's win in the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude, Central Europe breaking his maiden in the $1 million Group 3 Callander-Presnell, and Lindermann claiming his third Group 2 Craven Plate.

Watch the full show:

Wentworth Park farewells greyhound racing

An era has come to an end at Wentworth Park, with the iconic Sydney greyhound venue hosting its final night of racing.

Ladbrokes has put together a recap of the farewell meeting, looking back at the final chapter of racing at the historic track.

Melbourne Cup contenders pass mandatory scans

Several leading Melbourne Cup contenders have cleared their mandatory CT scans ahead of next Tuesday's $10.2 million feature.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained Defiantly, Trustyourinstinct, Sons And Lovers, Goodie Two Shoes and James J Braddock have all passed.

Australian Bloodstock's four contenders — Vauban, Defiantly, Wine Dark Sea and Royal Supremacy — have also received the green light.

Other confirmed runners to have passed include Point Of Law, Mr Monaco, Zahrann, Juja Kibo, Middle Earth, Shockletz, Knight's Choice, Onesmoothoperator and Soul Of Spain.

The scans form part of Racing Victoria's veterinary requirements for Melbourne Cup runners.

Japanese Cup hope Stinger Glass pleasing connections

Japanese Melbourne Cup contender Stinger Glass continues to impress his team at Werribee ahead of next Tuesday's race.

Groom and track rider Shinji Yasuda said the stable was very happy with the horse's preparation following a strong gallop last Thursday and another pleasing workout on Tuesday.

Stinger Glass is scheduled for a final gallop on Friday morning before the Melbourne Cup.

Zahra cleared to return on Derby Day

Champion jockey Mark Zahra has been passed fit by medical staff and will return to race riding at Flemington on Saturday for Victoria Derby Day.

Zahra has been sidelined since his fall in the Caulfield Cup but has now received clearance to resume riding ahead of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

So You Are wins Bendigo Cup but still needs help

So You Are has made it four consecutive victories with an impressive win in Wednesday's Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m).

The Bjorn Baker-trained stayer is expected to receive another Melbourne Cup weight penalty, but connections still face an anxious wait to secure a start.

A penalty of at least 1.5kg would lift So You Are into the top 24 in the order of entry. Anything less would leave him relying on another runner dropping out before final acceptances.