The feature race at Randwick this Saturday is the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) where a solid bunch of up and coming three year olds will take their place.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Spring Champion Stakes.
2024 Spring Champion Stakes Speed Map
Firm Agreement was ridden with intent in the Gloaming so you’d assume drawing wide, they’ll press forward again and get the cart over via El Castello, which could also give Swiftfalcon the drag over from the wide gate. Henlein comes up with an inside gate and can use it to advantage.
2024 Spring Champion Stakes Runner Preview:
1. El Castello: The first 200m determines his chances IMO. If he gets caught wide and has to do work to find a forward spot, I say he has none. If he pings and lands in a plum spot in the first four, then he becomes hard to beat, like he was in the Gloaming. But, I do think he was blessed in the run there vs Swiftfalcon and Henlein who were there for a trial. Much rather be with that pair ie taking on El Castello.
2. Swiftfalcon: Swiftfalcon is a good horse and is clearly hard to beat. He spanked them in the Dulcify two back before backing up a week later in the Gloaming where he was ridden like a barrier trial but his finale in defeat was excellent behind El Castello. Love the rise to 2000m for him and is a definite threat.
3. Henlein: I am going to keep the faith with Henlein. On face value, just a run in the Gloaming two weeks ago, but I will say the ride from Tommy was that of a barrier trial. He jumped well but dragged back all the way to last and he was just never a factor. He’s been crying out for 2000m, a big track…just needs a positive steer and he will only run well.
4. Firm Agreement: The maiden win was impressive at Newcastle and then he stuck to the task really well in the Gloaming. I think he’ll get across via El Castello and should that eventuate, I think he can run a positive race and represents slight overs.
5. Duvana: Duvana has an engine under the hood to be given another look I say. He spanked them to win the maiden at Goulburn two back before going to the Gloaming where he was back, keen in the run and just never got involved behind El Castello. I think with a better run in transit, he’s dangerous for sure.
6. Due Calzini: Blinkers go back on but was comfortably held in the Gloaming and suspect that will be the same here.
7. Flying Argento: Reckon he’d be a good thing in a 2000m maiden. Throw at the stumps here…I don’t think he’ll run last but can’t see him being a threat.
8. Harlem Queen: I have my doubts on her at 2000m. That Flight Stakes was a barrier trial and she sprinted best behind Lady Shenandoah. She brings the best form IMO with that filly being a star. But, just not sure on her at 2000m. Unders for mine.
9. Rag Queen: She can stamp herself as an Oaks contender with a good showing here. Looked cast but she was a real eye catcher in the Gloaming with her finale. Stable knows what it takes to win this race, she gets Blinkers, she’ll eat up 2000m. I say she runs really well.
10. Pleasure Artist: She looks a big price vs Swiftfalcon when they clashed in the Dulcify. Yes, that horse was dominant, but the finale of Pleasure Artist was quite good, keeping in mind she was five weeks between runs, so she has good improvement to come and will have no issue with 2000m.
11. Noises: Racing well but not up to these.
2024 Spring Champion Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Keen to be with Henlein. $100 Win Best Of The Best via Topsport.
Group 1 Strategy Outlay: $1600
Group 1 Strategy Return: $865
2024 Spring Champion Stakes Odds:
