Champagne Stakes Tips - Bjorn Baker to claim another Group 1 with fast finishing youngster

The son of Brutal is favourite for the Champagne Stakes (1600m) and made an impression on debut with an unlucky 3rd behind Tentyris and Wodeton before producing an impressive victory in the Baillieu (1400m) on April 1. 

But the long-term form reference for this race is usually the Inglis Sires (1400m) with 25 of the past 30 winners coming out of the Group 1 that is sandwiched between the Golden Slipper (1200m) and the Champagne Stakes. 

Vinrock claimed the Sires’ this year but wont be in action in the Champagne Stakes. State Visit was runner-up, while Buffalo was 3rd. Those two are solid chances here, while Bellazaine (6th) and Federalist (7th) also come via the Sires’.

The Fernhill Mile (1600m) is another key lead up and was run last weekend with Spicy Lu making it three wins from as many starts with victory, while Tupakara and Lady Pankhurst filled the minors. The Chris Waller-trained Michelangelo was 5th. 

Within The Law is another on the short back-up and was 3rd behind Tempted in the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) last weekend. The Bjorn Baker-trained galloper has been a big firmer since the barrier draw and won three of his first four starts before losing his rider in the Golden Slipper. 

Tempo should be fairly genuine with Bellazaine to go forward early on. The Waterhouse/Bott galloper has gone at a very steady clip at her past couple of starts, more than seven lenghts faster than standard until the 600m in both. Spicy Lu and Lady Pankhurst will settle handy, while Is It Spectacular and Tupukara might be one pair behind after drawing the inside two barriers. Within The Law, Federalist, State Visit and Nepotism are among the backmarkers. 

Reluctant to go against the Inglis Sires runners, given the success of those that have come out of that race but happy to be with the Bjorn Baker-trained Within The Law. She came back well from a mishap in the Golden Slipper with a fast finishing effort behind Tempted last weekend and has been very strong late in all of her races, producing the fastest last 200m on each occasion. She took a while to get going when negotiating clear air at the top of the straight last weekend before working home well and gives every indication that the step to the 1600m should suit, while the market support since the barriew draw is a positive lead. 

The effort of Bellazaine in the Inglis Sires has been a bit understated after leading at a very fast tempo. She did well to stay within a length and a half of the winner and has actually been an improver on benchmark figures as she has gone up in distance from the 1200m of the Golden Slipper at her start prior. She will lead the youngsters along in the Champagne Stakes and might have a few of these off the bit at the top of the straight at their first go at the mile.