The Champions Sprint is run over 1200m at Flemington on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival under weight-for-age conditions.
The Group 1 race was first run in 1960 and has been won by some champion sprinters, including Vain (1969), Miss Andretti (2007) and Black Caviar (2010,11).
A superb field has accepted for this year’s edition and we have run through every runner below.
1. Giga Kick (4) – Clayton Douglas
- Odds: $5.00 (at time of publish)
The two-time Group 1 winner finished seventh in this race last year and fifth the year previous.
After a winless winter campaign in Brisbane and Adelaide he missed out on an Everest slot but couldn’t have been much more impressive when winning first up in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield.
He’s had a trial in between runs, will be fitter for that and the stable has set him for this race.
2. Jedibeel (8) – Brad Widdup
- Odds: $34 (at time of publish)
A few eyebrows were raised when he earned an Everest slot but he was far from disgraced in the richest race on turf, finishing 3.6 lengths off Ka Ying Rising.
He has been unplaced in three runs this campaign and this is the first time he’s seen the Flemington straight.
3. Caballus (9) – Bjorn Baker
- Odds: $16 (at time of publish)
Earns a shot at a premiere Group 1 race after a good performance first up in the Sydney Stakes and then a win at Group 3 level second up at this track and distance.
Has been well beaten at both starts at Group 1 level.
4. Libertad (1) – Annabel & Rob Archibald
- Odds: $61 (a time of publish)
Ran over the line with Caballus first up and was then beaten over two lengths behind that same horse last time out.
Meets him 2kg better at the weights but he has plenty of others that have his measure on paper.
5. Tropicus (6) – Anthony & Sam Freedman
- Odds: $8.50 (at time of publish)
Lightly raced four-year-old gelding who has three wins from 10 career starts including a dominant win in the Group 3 Heath at Caulfield two back.
Led Giga Kick for a long way last start but was no match for him late.
He’s the likely leader and if he can get away with some cheap sectionals, will be tough to run down.
6. Joliestar (7) – Chris Waller
- Odds: $3.10 (at time of publish)
She’s the best sprinter in the country on exposed form and has an impressive resume that includes seven wins from 17 career starts.
The daughter of Zoustar is a three-time Group 1 winner including the Newmarket Handicap at this track and distance.
7. Magic Time (5) – Grahame Begg
- Odds: $17 (at time of publish)
Returned from a spell with a handy win at Group 3 level and her run in the Everest is better than it looks on paper.
She is probably better suited against her own sex or down in grade but she does have two Group 1 wins against the boys.
8. Benedetta (10) – Ciaron Maher
- Odds: $31 (at time of publish)
Will be partnered by Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jamie Melham who is her regular hoop.
Her first up run behind Giga Kick was very plain but she does have a good second up record.
9. Flying For Fun (2) – Bryce Hays
- Odds: $31 (at time of publish)
Lightly races four-year-old mare who has been placed in six of her nine career starts including both runs this campaign at a lower level.
She has a fair amount of ability but this is a massive step up in grade under weight-for-age conditions.
10. Tentyris (3) – Anthony & Sam Freedman
- Odds: $2.80 (at time of publish)
Secured a career as a stallion will a truly remarkable and dominant win down the Flemington straight in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on the first day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
That was his fourth win at just start seven and he is being asked to carry just 53.5kg under the conditions and Craig Williams will steer.
SELECTIONS
- 1st: No. 6 Joliestar
- 2nd: No. 1 Giga Kick
- 3rd: No. 5 Tropicus
- 4th: No. 10 Tentyris