Cox Plate hero Via Sistina highlights a strong field for the Champions Stakes (2000m) this Saturday at Flemington.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Champions Stakes.
2024 Champions Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Without A Fight: You listen to all the yard experts/those that have seen him trial, work between races, and they will tell you that he’s wound right up for his return. The significant early market push says he’s here to play as well and he does have the class factor outside the favourite.
2. Duke De Sessa: Was it a case of what could have been re Melbourne Cup given he was dominant in winning the Caulfield Cup and that turned out to be the A1 form reference. He has been freshened up for this 2000m assignment…he’s so damn genuine and tough. Can see him as slight overs.
3. Arapaho: Showed signs of life in the Craven Plate but I think he has eyes on longer races, potentially something like the Zipping Classic or The Beauford at Newcastle.
4. Nugget: Got a peach in the Crystal Mile but had his chance and he’s not good enough to trouble these.
5. Future History: Got complete control in the JRA Cup and duly saluted, leading throughout and was dominant. Different gravy here though.
6. Eliyass: Nash isn’t riding in the best of form at the moment but I reckon he suits this horse, who just keeps chipping away and will keep finding. 2400m was too much in the Caulfield Cup so back to 2000m, kind map, I think he only runs well.
7. Docklands: The query with me pre Cox Plate was 2000m and that was confirmed, but it was the hardest 2000m we’ve seen in ages. Does that toughen him up or does he want his mummy? Only time will tell. But I say no.
8. Royal Champion: He has an engine under the hood but upstairs, the screws that he has loose is something else. I think in time he’ll measure up at G1 level but not quite yet.
9. Kingswood: Kingswood has been outstanding in two starts/wins this time in for Gavin Bedggood and you’d have to say is one of the chances outside Via Sistina. He won the Coongy last start, showing good change up speed when asked for the effort and was impressive to the line. Good test here against likely types, but confident he measures up and runs well, should he head this way.
10. Via Sistina: I was late to the party but I am a believer of Via Sistina now after the Cox Plate. Didn’t see Phar Lap and can only go off Winx, Black Caviar and co…but her Cox Plate win was one of the most dominant wins on an Australian race track. Just has to hold that here and she’ll be winning again.
11. Atishu: The seven day back up has always been a masterstroke with Atishu so with that in mind, I think she’s got to be respected. Race shape and pattern was in her corner but even allowing for that, she was superb in the Empire Rose last year and she’ll eat up 2000m. Dangerous if Via is off her game.
12. Deny Knowledge: Deny Knowledge will land on speed and look to give her all. She led in the Caulfield Cup and tried hard but 2400m at that level just found her out late in the piece. Like her back to this trip and with her racing style, she’ll give a good sight. Doubt she wins but can run top four.
2024 Champions Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Place Atishu Mid Tote.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $2300
Group l Strategy Return: $1045
2024 Champions Stakes Odds:
2024 Champions Stakes Speed Map
The speed looks drawn wide. Deny Knowledge is the leader from what I can see. Royal Champion will likely press forward, potentially Docklands too. The big query is 2023 Melbourne Cup hero Without A Fight. He can show early speed but first up since that famous win, do they want to burn the candle early?
