The first of the features at Flemington this Saturday is the Champions Sprint (1200m), where a crack bunch of sprinters have been assembled.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Champions Sprint.
2024 Champions Sprint Runner Preview:
1. Giga Kick: Giga Kick is flying. The couple of runs didn’t quite show that given the race shape being against but he got conditions to shit in The Everest and nearly got there for a second win in the race but had to settle for a second to Bella Nipotina. He’s back and is hard to beat against these.
2. Overpass: Overpass is hard to beat for me. This is a target race where most of these are here as an afterthought. He resumed in the Sydney Stakes at Randwick where he led throughout and gave nothing else a look in, winning in dominant fashion. Good racing style, good upside, tough…he has to be respected.
3. I Am Unstoppable: I Am Unstoppable is proven down the straight and looks to be ticking along really nicely. He ran in the McEwen at The Valley two weeks ago when held up at times before eventually getting clear and working home with purpose behind Baraqiel. Hard fit, he looks well placed to run a positive race.
4. Baraqiel: Such an honest campaigner, but this looks too high of an ask surely? He had the suck run in transit at The Valley and took advantage to romp up. Not as easy this time around and now you’re being asked to take single figures. Not for me.
5. Bella Nipotina: Bella Nipotina is the one to beat, and comfortably, if last Saturday hasn’t busted her. That was an arrogant win in the Russell Balding and yes, the race was set up for her, but it was truly run, big time, and she won as if it was a barrier trial. Draws to stalk and finish strongest.
6. Sunshine In Paris: Does the J Mac tax get her home? She is a dynamic sprinter when right and was good in defeat last Saturday behind Bella Nipotina, but off that run, and The Everest, i don’t think she can turn the tables. First four threat at best.
7. Lady Laguna: Very interesting runner. I thought she’d be freshened up for Perth but she lines up here. No match for Bella Nipotina last Saturday but was good in defeat. Suspect that will be the case again. One for exotics.
8. Estriella: Estriella is proven down the straight and has found winning form. That came over 1000m at Caulfield where she led throughout and just lasted. She was tooweight and was back from 1200m so the win had good merit and with her best, I think she’s dangerous.
9. Right To Party: Straight track specialist that has been really well placed in recent weeks/months but no place to hide here. Acid test and I don’t think she is quite up to this level.
10. Stretan Angel: I think she is sneaky flying this girl and I reckon she could be a Rupert Clarke contender. Race shape completely against her in the Silver Eagle but was still good in defeat. She’ll be spotting them a start but she likes the straight and should be strong at the end.
11. Private Life: Operation was a success for Waller last Saturday in the Coolmore and not running the Caulfield Guineas there, instead keeping him on ice for this. I don’t think he’s anything special and the Caulfield Guineas form hasn’t really been franked, so he’s an interesting runner. At best, a first four chance.
12. Bellatrix Star: Can make a case to say with normal luck, she wins the Coolmore. Hampered at the start, had to switch course in the straight, she charged to the line. She’s a star this girl and if the sprinting ranks need fresh blood, she could be it. She’s a definite threat.
2024 Champions Sprint $100 Betting Strategy:
Keeping it simple here. $50 Win on both Bella Nipotina and Overpass, both via BOB via Topsport.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $2300
Group l Strategy Return: $1045
Champions Sprint Odds:
2024 Champions Sprint Speed Map
The speed has drawn inside. I say Estriella will lead given she has been quite keen in recent runs. Overpass and Baraqiel won’t be far away. The question will be whether they go the far side or come up the stand side. Lady Laguna, Private Life and Bella Nipotina can settle handy if the leaders do come across to the stand side.
