Australia's Pattern and Development Committee and the board of Racing Australia have upgraded the black-type status of eight races including two up to Group I level.
"The Racing Australia Pattern and Development Committee apply international criteria in determining black type status to ensure consistency and credibility both domestically and internationally," the press release read.
The weight-for-age Warwick Stakes (1400m), won the past two years by Winx, and the three-year-old fillies' Surround Stakes (1400m) during the autumn, will rise from Group II to Group I level in 2018.
Other upgrades are.
- Sheraco Stakes (ATC) be upgraded to Group II from Group III
- Breeders' Plate (ATC) be upgraded to Group III from Listed
- Gimcrack Stakes (ATC) be upgraded to Group III from Listed
- Premier's Cup (ATC) be upgraded to Group III from Listed
- Northam Sprint (Northam Race Club) be upgraded to Group III from Listed
- Hawkesbury Gold Rush (Hawkesbury Race Club) be upgraded to Listed
"In addition to approving the eight upgrades, Racing Australia also agreed to the Racing Australia Pattern and Development Committee's recommendation to place a moratorium on any downgrade of Pattern Races run at a distance of 2400 meters and up, the press release said.
"This means these races will not be subject to downgrade (unless voluntarily) for 4 years (from 2016/17—2019/20) when the position will be reviewed."
