2026 Spring Champion Stakes Field, Barrier Draw & Form

DIAMTER (6) has shown flashes of ability this preparation, but he’ll need to put it all together if he’s going to feature in the finish. He’s got the benefit of Chris Waller’s guidance and looks capable of improving with more racing under his belt.

Barrier six gives Tyler Schiller a reasonable starting point, although he’ll need to get the timing right over the 2000m trip. He’s not without a chance, but there are a few runners with stronger recent form. At around $17, he’s an option for each-way bets.

CORMIER (8) hasn’t quite found his best form lately, with his recent results leaving a little to be desired. However, he has shown enough in the past to suggest he can be competitive when things fall into place.

Barrier 8 isn’t ideal, so Aaron Bullock will need to produce a good ride. He’ll need to lift on his latest efforts to win, but if he can find some improvement over the 2000m.

SCAROLE (4) has been pretty consistent this preparation and looks like a genuine chance of getting involved in the finish. His recent performances have been solid, and he was right in the mix in the Gloaming Stakes, finishing third behind Proxima Dea and Wonka.

He gets a handy draw in barrier 4, which should give Nash Rawiller plenty of options to find a good position. He’ll need to find a little extra to turn the tables on these rivals, but there’s enough in his recent form to suggest that he can win.

WONKA (2) has been racing well this preparation and came agonisingly close to winning the Gloaming Stakes last start, going down by just a short margin to Proxima Dea. That effort showed he’s got the ability to compete with the leading contenders in this field.

Barrier 2 is a big plus and should allow Jason Collett to give him a comfortable run without spending too much energy early, so he’s a chance to win.

STORMY MARCO (7) has mixed his form recently, but he’s shown enough ability to suggest he can bounce back with the right run. His earlier performances this preparation were encouraging, although his latest efforts haven’t quite matched that standard.

Barrier 7 gives Tommy Berry a reasonable opportunity to settle him into the race, but he’ll need to produce a sharper finish than we’ve seen lately. He’s got the class to be competitive, and a return to his better form would put him right in contention.

PERSIAN WONDER (5) is an interesting runner who could be worth a look at the longer odds. He’s had a few ups and downs this preparation, but his earlier performances showed he has the ability to make an impact when things go his way.

MINDGAMES (1) is still relatively lightly raced and has shown plenty of promise in his short career. He’s won two of his three starts and backed that up with a second place finish last time, suggesting there’s more improvement to come.

Barrier 1 is a big advantage, with Tim Clark likely to have the chance to give him a soft run along the inside. This is a significant test against a stronger group of 3YOs, and he’ll need to take another step forward to win.

GLOBAL GOAL (3) has quickly established herself as one of the leading chances after putting together an impressive run of results this preparation.

She’s won three consecutive races and has continued to improve, giving her a strong case heading into this Group 1 assignment. She does face her toughest test yet, but her recent form is hard to fault.

She is the one to beat, and the money coming for her is telling.

PROXIMA DEA (9) comes into the race unbeaten, which is a terrific record heading into a Group 1 contest.

Her latest win in the Gloaming Stakes was another impressive result, holding off Wonka in a tight finish and showing she has the determination to get the job done under pressure.