The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival encompasses 50 days of racing, attracting thoroughbreds from around the globe to compete with the cream of local contenders.

In 2008 the carnival generated more than $549million in Gross Economic Benefit to the Victorian economy.

The first batch of visiting thoroughbreds checked at the Sandown quarantine centre last month. Regular visitor Luca Cuman, has returned with Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico, and connections reported that they both travelled well on their 30-hour flight.

Australia's top jockey, Damien Oliver, has been confirmed as the rider for Cima De Triomphe. Luca Cumani has produced the last two Melbourne Cup runners-up with Purple Moon and Bauer.

They were joined by Kirklees and Crime Scene from the powerful Dubai-based Godolphin stable, the world's leading yard. They arrived on one of owner Sheik Mohammed's private jets. The stable won last year's BMW Caulfield Cup with All The Good and have described Kirklees as a better-performed horse than the 2008 winner.

Singapore Derby winner, Jolie's Shinju, has already raced twice here and has disappointed but is capable of much better and should not be discarded.

The Caulfield Spring Racing Carnival includes five Group One events and in excess of $7 million in prizemoney. An initiative for the Caulfield Carnival is the Roy Higgins Medal, introduced last year, to recognise the leading jockey over the three days. The award operates on a points system and the inaugural winner was Damien Oliver.

Saturday's Group 1 $1,008,000 The Age Caulfield Guineas will set the standard for the remaining carnival, which concludes on November 14 with the Group 2 $351,000 TMB Printing Sandown Classic to be run on the Sandown Hillside track.

Other feature events this week include the Group 1 $403,000 weight-for-age Yalumba Stakes (2000 metres) and the Group 1 $353,000 David Jones Toorak Handicap (1600metres).

The Spring Racing Carnival concludes on November 14 with the Group 2 $351,000 TMB Printing Sandown Classic on Sandown's Hillside track.