The Caulfield Cup has long been recognised as among the hardest race on the calendar to win.

A good barrier and pace are an advantage in a capacity field of 18, with the short run to the first turn where the race can be won or lost so easily.

Champions can win the race against all the odds that is why they are recognised as champions.

Redcraze’s success in 1956 stands out above all others even in that same decade when the winners were Rising Fast twice and Tulloch.

It was the wettest Caulfield Cup on record, there was still water lying on the outside of the track at the 1600 metres.

There was a lot stacked against Redcraze, he drew an outside gate and with the steadier of 63kgs (9 stone 13), the highest winning weight on record.

Last out of the straight and last up until the 800 metres when jockey, Arthur Ward, set him alight.

Redcraze had the leaders covered at the top of the straight, he had to change course to avoid the riderless Better Boy, who dumped his rider, Norman Powell, at the start, it didn’t stop him winning by four lengths.