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Champions Stakes Tips - Runner-by-Runner Guide for the Flemington Group 1
- The Champions Stakes 2024 will be held at Flemington Racecourse
- Top contenders include Without A Fight, Eliyass, Royal Champion and Via Sistina
- Eliyass is the favorite, with Royal Champion and Via Sistina closely trailing
Expired
Eliyass (Getty Images)
Formerly known as the Mckinnon Stakes and run on Derby Day, the Champions Stakes is run over 2000m under weight-for-age conditions at Flemington racecourse.
The Group 1 race was first run in 1869 and has been won by some of our best middle distance horses including Phar Lap (1930,31), Tulloch (1960) and Lonhro (2002).
Another fantastic field has been assembled in 2024 and we’ve gone through each and every one below.
1. Without A Fight (10)
We haven’t seen the 2023 Melbourne Cup winner at the track since this time last year but there is no doubting his class.
A trip overseas may be on the cards after this race pending how he performs and he adds an extra element in what is shaping as the race of the spring so far.
2. Duke De Sessa (2)
Ran within two lengths of Via Sistina at this track and distance two back in a very good form race before he came up and caused an upset in the Caulfield Cup.
He has just one place from four starts at Flemington but he is racing well at the moment.
3. Arapaho (11)
Finished last when resuming over 1400m at Rosehill but returned to a semblance of his best when beaten just over half a length second up at Randwick behind Lindermann.
Can’t entertain him as a winning chance but unlike many in this race, this is not an after thought.
4. Nugget (8)
Been a long time in between wins but on his day he can produce a high rating.
In saying that he probably isn’t suited at weight-for-age against these types of classy gallopers.
5. Future History (6)
Was placed in his first two starts this campaign but broke through for a nice win at The Valley over 2040m last time out.
He’s drawn to get a nice run in transit from barrier six but is probably just a level below these.
6. Eliyass (2)
A very progressive type of horse who won three in a row the start this campaign including a win over Ceolwulf over 2000m.
Was beaten 1.7 lengths behind Via Sistina two back and this track and distance suits.
7. Docklands (7)
Made his Australian racing debut in the Cox Plate and performed well when finishing fifth.
Most of his form in Europe is at a mile and I have a query whether he can run a strong 2000m.
8. Royal Champion (9)
Came to Australia with high hopes but was very disappointing on debut in the country over 1400m here at Flemington.
Looked the winner in the Crystal Mile for a long way before he was run down late by Plenty Of Ammo but three of his four career wins have been at 2000m.
Ready to peak now.
9. Kingswood (3)
Working through the grades well and comes into the biggest test of his racing career on the back of two wins in a row.
This is the first time he is seeing Flemington but he’s drawn beautifully and represents good value at his current quote.
10. Via Sistina (4)
We’ve never seen a performance quite like what she produced in the Cox Plate, smashing the course record by almost two seconds!
It’s hard to ignore that win but if you manage it, she was only a narrow winner over Buckaroo the start before.
If she turns up and produces anything like what she did at The Valley she wins, but at the very short quote I’m happy to take her on.
11. Atishu (1)
She was racing okay at the start of this campaign without threatening to win but she absolutely thrives during Cup week and at Flemington.
The Chris Waller trained mare proved that by winning the Empire Rose last week but she has to tackle the boys in this event.
12. Deny Knowledge (12)
Caused a boilover when beating Mr Brightside at Caulfield over 2000m second up and finished fifth in the Caulfield Cup.
There has been a distinct leader bias at Flemington this week on the hard track and she’ll make her own luck in front.
Verdict
1st: No. 6 Eliyass
2nd: No. 8 Royal Champion
3rd: No. 10 Via Sistina
4th: No. 2 Duke De Sessa
Eliyass
Win
@9/1 - 3 Units
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