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Champions Sprint Tips - Runner-by-Runner Guide for the VRC Group 1 sprint
- Champions Sprint: Group 1 race at Flemington, 1200m
- Top contenders: Overpass, Bella Nipotina and Sunshine In Paris
- Selections: 1st Overpass, 2nd Bella Nipotina, 3rd Sunshine In Paris, 4th Bellatrix Star
Expired
Overpass (Getty Images)
The Champions Sprint is run under weight-for-age conditions down the famous Flemington straight at 1200m on the last day of the VRC Spring Carnival.
First run in 1960, the Group 1 race has been won by some champion sprinters including Vain (1969), Takeover Target (2004) and Black Caviar (2010,11).
Our thoughts and betting selections can be read below.
1. Giga Kick (7)
The 2023 Everest winner returned from a long lay off when beaten a length first up at Randwick but turned back the clock with a huge effort in the Everest three weeks ago.
He was unplaced at his only start down the Flemington straight over 1200m but he’ll be ready to peak now and is one of the leading chances.
2. Overpass (2)
Has been beautifully placed by Bjorn Baker and proved he does his best racing fresh by winning The Everest consolation at Randwick.
He produced a better rating than the Everest winner that day and if he does that again he’s the one to beat.
3. I Am Unstoppable (11)
Ran second in the Coolmore Stud Stakes down the Flemington straight this time last year but has failed to reach that rating again since.
Has been runner up in both starts this campaign and would need to find another gear to be a chance.
4. Baraquiel (1)
Ran third down the straight on two occasions earlier this prep in a much easier grade but has strung two wins together at The Valley to earn a shot at this level.
He is a lightly raced and progressive six-year-old who is yet to miss a place in eight career starts but this is a whole other level.
5. Bella Nipotina (12)
The sprinting queen of the turf climbed to second on the list of all time money earners with her wins in The Everest and then last week at Rosehill.
For whatever reason she continues to be underrated despite the fact she is always in the finish every time she races.
Any other era and she’d start odds on but we are again getting a good price.
6. Sunshine In Paris (9)
Made up a tonne of ground late at Rosehill first up when scoring over 1200m and wasn’t far away in The Everest.
Was beaten 1.8 lengths behind Bella Nipotina two weeks ago and meets that mare at the same weights again.
Would need to improve to beat her.
7. Lady Laguna (6)
Yet to win from three starts this spring but is racing well.
She’s capable of a high rating on her day but this may be a stretch too far with the form she is currently in against some of the best sprinters in the country.
8. Estriella (4)
Wasn’t far away at the top level in her first two starts this campaign but stepped back in distance and get the chocolates at Caulfield last start.
She’s won down the Flemington straight before which is a plus but I have huge concerns on her at 1200m.
9. Right To Party (3)
Comes into this Group 1 event having won four of her last five all of which have been down the Flemington straight.
This is a high level race full of proven Group 1 horses but if there is one that could rise to the level it’s this mare.
10. Stretan Angel (5)
Got to within half a length of Right To Party at this track and distance two back but was well beaten by Bella Nipotina last start.
Isn’t suited under the weight-for-age conditions and it would shock if she was in the finish.
11. Private Life (8)
The Caulfield Guineas winner has had a month in between runs to freshen him up for this.
The son of Written Tycoon has won three of his five career starts and we are getting a nice price that he can step up against the older horses.
12. Bellatrix Star (10)
Continues to go from strength to strength every time she is stepped up in class.
Was no match for Switzerland at this track and distance last weekend in the Coolmore Stud Stakes but she’s a classy filly who is as tough as they come.
Verdict
1st: No. 2 Overpass
2nd: No. 5 Bella Nipotina
3rd: No. 6 Sunshine In Paris
4th: No. 12 Bellatrix Star
Overpass
Each-Way
@9/2 - 3 Units
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