TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES
Results
Impossible to go past champion mare VIA SISTINA (10) coming off her second Cox Plate win. It may not have been as dominant as last year but she was still excellent when covering more ground than any of her rivals. She won this easily last year and should be doing so again. Don't mind PIER (6) as the exacta horse. He's been excellent this time in, chasing home Autumn Glow in the Epsom when fifth before acquitting himself very well in the King Charles for third. He got a good run there but kept coming on the line, suggesting 2000m would suit ideally. TOM KITTEN (1) ran on well from too far back in the King Charles and is proven at this trip having placed to Via in a QEII in the Autumn. He should run very well. ATTRITION (4) is a ripper, he kept trying for fourth in the Cox Plate last time. Doubt he has the class to win, but he can land in the first few and run a placing. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (2) stuck on quite well in the Cox Plate and can do so again here.
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At the latest run 5th of 12 at Randwick in the G1 King Charlesiii on October 18 over 1609m, 2.5 len behind Ceolwulf with 59kg at $26. The run before that got back early 4th in a small field at Moonee Valley in the G2 Feehan on September 26 over 1600m, 6 len behind Pride Of Jenni with 59kg at $7.50. Much better last time and 2000m should suit now.
Last start 5th of 8 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 25 over 2040m, 3.5 len behind Via Sistina carrying 59kg at $31. The start before that 9th of 14 at Rosehill in the G2 Hill Stks on October 11 over 1900m, 4.5 len behind Lindermann with 59kg at $8. Solid last time, could stick on for a place.
Recent form sound. Last start 3rd in a small field at Randwick in the G3 Craven Plt on October 25 over 1800m, 2.75 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $8. Before that 4th of 14 at Rosehill in the G2 Hill Stks on October 11 over 1900m, 3 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $7. Has been racing well. Minor place chance.
Form hard to fault. At the latest run 4th of 8 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 25 over 2040m, 3.5 len behind Via Sistina carrying 59kg at $41. The race before that 2nd of 14 at Rosehill in the G2 Hill Stks on October 11 over 1900m, 2.25 len behind Lindermann with 59kg at $18. Tried hard last time, has each way claims again.
Last start ran on from midfield; 2nd of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G3 Jra Cup on October 25 over 2040m, 1.5 len behind Star Of India with 57kg at $61. Before that sat on the pace before fading second last of 12 at Seymour in the LR Seym Cup on October 12 over 1600m, 5 len behind Cote Atlantique carrying 60kg at $81. Better last time but this will test.
Most recently made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 12 at Randwick in the G1 King Charlesiii on October 18 over 1609m, 2 len behind Ceolwulf with 59kg at $51. Before that crossed from a wide gate to settle just off the pace but gave ground when 5th of 12 at Randwick in the G1 Epsom on October 4 over 1600m, 3 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 54kg at $11. He's flying and 2000m should suit now.
At the latest run held ground to the line 2nd of 8 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Crystl Mile on October 25 over 1600m, 1.0 len behind Von Hauke carrying 57kg at $4.20. Before that second last of 14 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 4 over 2000m, 6 len behind Sir Delius carrying 55kg at $18. Can give some sort of cheek up front.
Second run back. First-up after 13 months got back early 6th of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G3 Jra Cup on October 25 over 2040m, 4 len behind Star Of India with 58kg at $4.20. Previously second-up won by a long-neck at this track G3 Archer Stks September 14 2024 over 2500m in heavy going defeating Hit The Road Jack with 54kg at $4.50. Outclassed.
Most recently favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 len at Caulfield Bm78 October 15 over 2000m defeating Makdane carrying 57kg at $2.10. The run before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.75 len at Sandown-Hillside Bm66 October 1 over 1800m defeating Seethru carrying 60.5kg at $1.85. Way up in grade, outclassed.
Form hard to fault. At the latest run favourite; won by a nose at Moonee Valley G1 Cox Plate October 25 over 2040m defeating Buckaroo carrying 57kg at $2.25. The run before that made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 14 at this track in the G1 Turnbull on October 4 over 2000m, 2.25 len behind Sir Delius carrying 57kg at $2.60. Champion mare who should be winning again.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 3rd of 9 at Caulfield in the LR Weekend Hussler on October 11 over 1400m, 2.5 len behind Zou Sensation carrying 58.5kg at $11. Second run from a spell 7th of 11 at this track in the G1 Empire Rose on November 1 over 1600m, 6 len behind Pride Of Jenni with 57kg at $26. Not sure she's up to these.