With everybody gearing up for the Group Two Perth Cup, there will be little rest for trainers over the Christmas period as they prepare for a new month and a new year of racing.

January kicks off with the Perth Cup on New Year?s Day and worth $400,000 in prize money, the event is attracting Paul Perry and his AJC Metropolitan winner Newport.

On the same day, Flemington will host the Group Three Standish Handicap, a 1200m sprint worth $200,000 in prize money.

On January 9, Caulfield will host the 1100m Group Three Rubiton Stakes while Moonee Valley will offer the $180,000 Carlyon Stakes on January 22.

January 30 is a huge race day at Flemington with the Lightning Stakes Day offering over $900,000 in prize money.

The day kicks off with the Group One Lightning Stakes worth half a million dollars in prize money and is followed by the Group Three CS Hayes Stakes and The Vanity worth $200,000 each.

Hobart will also participate in the New Year festivities with the Group Three Tasmanian Derby held on January 30.

This 2200m event is a set weight race for three year olds is another $200,000 staying event.