Preview – Champions Stakes

Grand old campaigner who will nearly win this. The way the race will be run will suit him. He will come across from this wide gate and be fired up sufficiently that he will find the fence in front. Should control the tempo from there and only West Wind Blows who will sit just behind him, will have the legs to run him down, especially if he kicks at the clock tower. Big threat.

Is a genuine Gr 1 performer who won this trip at this level in Brisbane earlier this year. Two runs from a spell have been average though, latest when 6th to Zeyreck in the Gr 3 Craven Plate. And I don’t think Zeyreck can win this. Will improve but not overly keen.

Interesting runner. Carried 59kg to win a 2000m handicap here this trip in very fast time, then backed it up with a solid Moonee Valley win in similar race. But, last start only plodded late when beaten 2 lengths by Montefilia in the Gr 1 Hill Stakes over 1800m. This extra 200m will suit. Place show.

Can and probably will win this. He has raced twice in Australia when three deep all the way and a great 2nd in the Gr 1 Turnbull Stakes behind Gold Trip in fast time, then travelled sweetly before popping out at the 600m and getting very deep but ran to the front in the straight only to be claimed late by Without A Fight in the Gr 1 Caulfield Cup. He of course franked that on Tuesday. This guy is so tough and has drawn perfectly.

Had every chance when beaten nearly 2 lengths by Montefilia in the Hill Stakes, then thrashed in the Gr 1 King Charles. Returned to form with an impressive come from a mile back win over 1800m last start in Gr 3 Craven Plate. This is considerably harder however.

Very solid Gr 2 performer and is generally consistent but may have come to the end of his prep. Looked that way when he never got into the fast run Gr 1 Cox Plate beaten nearly 8 lengths. The distance at this level is his biggest issue.

If it’s wet this bloke from Ireland is your man. Even run when well beaten 7th in the $5million King Charles last start on Aussie debut. Got back on a day when they didn’t run on. This longer straight may suit more although has never won this trip. Watch betting. For some reason the Irish horses haven’t shown up this spring.

Looked back to her best when she sprouted wings late to claim the Gr 2 Hill Stakes over 1900m in good time but didn’t fire a shot in the Gr 1 Caulfield Cup last start. Has always been an in and out type – when she is in she can be very competitive.

Has her foot on the till following a spring campaign of impressive but winless runs. Beaten 3 lengths when 3rd in Gr 1 Caulfield Stakes to Alligator Blood in fast time then backed it up with a tremendous 4th in the fast run Gr 1 Cox Plate also. Loves this trip and has won a Gr 1 here. Big show.

Smart mare back in form. Gets back and runs on like she did last weekend in the Gr 1 Empire Rose when trying to chase down the tearaway leader Pride Of Jenni. Ended up 2nd and in doing so ran fast time. Has won this trip. Bound to be running on with this quick back up.

Just keeps winning. Whatever challenge is put in front of her she finds a way to win. Over powered the smart Antino last start when 2nd up. Should be even fitter now and has won this trip at Gr 1 level. Looks hardest to beat again as she will get the run of the race from this gate.