Spring Champion Stakes Racing Tips – Global Goal can lead the fillies to Group 1 glory

Two talented fillies dominate the betting, with Flight Stakes (1600m) winner Global Goal and unbeaten Gloaming Stakes(1800m) winner Proxima Dea looking to overcome the colts and geldings. Interestingly, only three fillies have won the race since its introduction in 1971, with Yankee Rose (2016), Maid Of Heaven (2018) and Montefilia (2020) the successful trio.

Global Goal brings arguably the strongest lead-up form into the race following her impressive victory in the Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. The John Sargent-trained filly produced an excellent finishing burst to claim the Group 1

Proxima Dea has done nothing wrong in her four career starts, maintaining her unbeaten record with a determined victory in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill. The David Payne-trained filly was posted wide throughout but continued to find the line, narrowly defeating Wonka and Scarole in a thrilling finish. Less than half a length separated the first five runners, although the race was slowly run through the early and middle stages, with the winner recording a performance just 0.2 lengths slower than standard benchmark.

The daughter of Tarzino was returning from a six-week break and should have further improvement to come. Her breeding suggests the rise to 2000m will be ideal, with Tarzino having claimed the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Victoria Derby (2500m). Payne also prepared Montefilia to win the Spring Champion Stakes in 2020, and the unbeaten filly looks capable of providing him with another victory.

Wonka and Scarole were both narrowly beaten in the Gloaming Stakes and deserve consideration. 

Diameter brings a different form line into the race after claiming the Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield two starts ago before finishing sixth in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), beaten almost nine lengths behind Warwoven. Despite the margin, he went 4.8 lengths faster than standard benchmark, the strongest last-start figure of any runner in Saturday's field. 

That form looks particularly strong, with Warwoven also having claimed the Golden Rose (1400m) and now preparing to tackle older horses in the Cox Plate (2000m).

Cormier and Stormy Marco also contested the Golden Rose before finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the Gloaming Stakes. Cormier led but was forced to work without cover, while Stormy Marco was close behind in a tightly packed finish. Persian Wonder finished sixth in the same race and may appreciate the additional distance, while Mindgames rounds out the field.

The Gloaming Stakes has traditionally been an excellent guide to the Spring Champion Stakes, with the likes of Kingston Town, Dundeel, Ace High, Shadow Hero and Sharp 'N' Smart completing the double. However, the modest overall figures from this year's edition raise some questions about the strength of the form compared with the higher-rating performances of Global Goal and Diameter.

With rain forecast in the lead-up to Saturday and several runners stepping up to 2000m for the first time, there is plenty of intrigue surrounding the Group 1. The two fillies look the clear leading contenders, although the lack of genuine early speed could have a significant influence on the result.

The speed map suggests a potentially muddling tempo, with few genuine leaders among the nine runners. Cormier looks the most likely to take up the running after leading in the Gloaming Stakes, although he was forced to work without cover on that occasion.

Scarole has raced forward previously and could be ridden more positively after being slowly away in the Gloaming Stakes. Diameter is another capable of settling handy, having raced close to the speed when winning the Stutt Stakes before being ridden further back in the Caulfield Guineas. Wonka should also settle among the first few.

Proxima Dea is the most interesting runner tactically. The unbeaten filly led at her first two career starts but was ridden more conservatively from barrier two in the Gloaming Stakes. She now draws barrier nine, and Zac Lloyd may again elect to take a sit, although there is a strong argument for allowing her to roll forward and make the race a genuine staying test.

Global Goal is expected to settle around midfield, while Stormy Marco and Persian Wonder are likely to find themselves further back. The lack of early pressure could make it difficult for the backmarkers to make significant ground, particularly if the leaders are allowed to conserve energy through the middle stages.

If Cormier controls proceedings, the race could develop into another sprint home, favouring those settling closer to the speed. Global Goal may have a tactical advantage over Proxima Dea if she can settle a few positions ahead of her main rival before producing her powerful finishing burst.

Global Goal looks the best bet in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). The John Sargent-trained filly was impressive when claiming the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, recording a performance three lengths faster than standard benchmark. Her acceleration was particularly impressive, clocking 23.52 seconds for the final 400m on a Soft track. The daughter of The Autumn Sun looks well suited by the rise to 2000m and should appreciate the rain-affected conditions expected at Randwick. The biggest concern is the possibility of a slowly run race, but she should be able to settle in a more favourable position than main rival Proxima Dea and conserve enough energy to produce her customary finishing burst. With proven Group 1 class, a sharp turn of foot and conditions in her favour, she looks capable of making it consecutive Group 1 victories.

Scarole appeals as the best value selection in the Spring Champion Stakes. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was one of the better performances from the Gloaming Stakes after overcoming a slow beginning and an unfavourable settling position to finish strongly behind Proxima Dea and Wonka. He has raced closer to the speed in the past, and a more positive ride could prove particularly important in a race lacking genuine early pace. The additional 200m looks suitable, and he should have further improvement to come as he gains experience over longer distances. He still needs to bridge the gap to the leading fillies, but there was plenty to like about his most recent performance. At an attractive price, he looks capable of running into the placings.