Champions Stakes Betting Tips 2025
Champions Stakes Tips & Preview
Formerly known as the Mackinnon Stakes, the race is one of the biggest races held during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Mackinnon Stakes attracts the very best middle-distance thoroughbreds from not only Australia, but many international horses run in the race.
Because it’s run on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Mackinnon Stakes can feature runners that either ran in the Melbourne Cup or those that didn’t quite make the field.
That makes for an interesting race and there have been some upset results of late because of this.
The milers don’t often run in the Mackinnon Stakes as they have better options throughout the carnival, so it’s essentially another feature race for the stayers. This opens the field right up and makes for an even betting market.
Champions Stakes Final Field
The field for the Mackinnon Stakes will be confirmed in the days leading up to the race. We will update the field when it’s released by RISA during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Champions Stakes Betting Sites & Promos
Bookmakers will have Mackinnon Stakes bookie offers available closer to the race. These can include better odds or bonus bet offers for running second and third in the race.
We provide you with a full list of promotions and specials for the race in the build up as well as the top betting sites to be using below.
Champions Stakes History
First run in 1869 when taken out by Glencoe, the race is one of the most popular races throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Named after former chairman of the Victoria Racing Club, Lauchlan Kenneth Scobie Mackinnon, the Mackinnon Stakes used to be held on Derby Day earlier in the carnival, but was changed to the final day in 2016.
That essentially put an end to a possibility of the Mackinnon Stakes/Melbourne Cup double being achieved but the move was made to ensure the race had more Cox Plate-type horses entered.
Some of the more popular winners over the history include Phar Lap, Carbine, Wakeful and Horlicks.
Champions Stakes Previous Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Atishu |
| 2022 | Zaaki |
| 2021 | Zaaki |
| 2020 | Arcadia Queen |
| 2019 | Magic Wand |
| 2018 | Trap For Fools |
| 2017 | Tosen Stardom |
| 2016 | Awesome Rock |
| 2015 | Gailo Chop |
| 2014 | Happy Trails |
| 2013 | Side Glance |
| 2012 | Alcopop |
| 2011 | Glass Harmonium |
| 2010 | So You Think |
| 2009 | Scenic Shot |
| 2008 | Theseo |
| 2007 | Sirmione |
| 2006 | Desert War |
| 2005 | Lad Of The Manor |
| 2004 | Grand Armee |
| 2003 | Casual Pass |
| 2002 | Lonhro |
| 2001 | La Bella Dama |
| 2000 | Oliver Twist |
Champions Stakes Live Streaming
Punters can live stream the Champions Stakes at Dabble or Ladbrokes. The Australian-based bookmakers shows all Australian and New Zealand racing live and all you need to do is have a positive account balance.
For the full guide on how to stream, see our Spring Carnival racing live streaming guide.
