The momentum is building behind Chris Waller’s recent Group 1 hero, Campione D’italia, as he looks to add a second elite-level victory to his resume.

Campione D’Italia is now favourite for the Champagne Stakes after winning the 2026 Inglis Sires’. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The colt has emerged as the clear elect in the 2026 Champagne Stakes betting ahead of this weekend’s clash at Royal Randwick.

The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival reaches its Group 1 conclusion this Saturday.

While the All Aged Stakes serves as the afternoon’s centrepiece, a high-quality field of two-year-olds will fight for supremacy in the Group 1 $1 million Champagne Stakes (1600m).

Currently topping the markets at $2.60 through Ladbrokes, Campione D’italia has been the subject of significant support.

The Snitzel colt has enjoyed a near flawless progression this campaign, which began with a gritty maiden-breaking win in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) back in February.

Teaming up once again with James McDonald from the ideal barrier four, the colt appears to be reaching his peak at exactly the right time.

His autumn has been defined by a lethal turn of foot, notably seen in a luckless Golden Slipper effort where he charged from last to finish fourth.

He confirmed that class by stepping up to 1400m in the Inglis Sires’, cruising to victory in a manner that suggested the mile would be his optimum distance.

Campione D’italia is out to do the Sires’ / Champagne Stakes double for the first time since the fellow Waller-trained Militarize in 2023!

The primary danger on the second line of betting is the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Miss Chanel ($5.50).

Despite drawing wide out in gate 12, the daughter of Tagaloa has been the flier of the fillies this prep.

Although still a maiden after six starts, she has consistently performed in elite company, most recently storming home from the tail of the field to finish second in the Inglis Sires’.

Five fillies have claimed this race against the boys since 2012, and if Regan Bayliss can navigate a clear path from the wide alley, Miss Chanel’s sustained stamina makes her a genuine threat to join that list.

Two other juveniles remain under double figures: the favourite’s stablemate Fireball ($6.50) and the undefeated Southend ($8).

Fireball, winner of the Inglis Millennium, was a brave third in the Sires’ after being forced to work from a wide gate.

With Tim Clark back in the saddle from barrier two, he is expected to be much closer to the speed.

Meanwhile, the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou-trained Southend is chasing a hat-trick following a clinical win in the Group 3 TL Baillieu.

Dylan Gibbons retains the ride as the colt tests his flawless record at the elite level for the first time.

For those looking for value, the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Zambales ($12) and the rails-drawn Fernhill Handicap runner-up from last weekend, Salann ($18) on the quick back-up, round out the primary chances.

The 2026 Champagne Stakes is set to run as Randwick Race 7 at 3:00 pm (AEST).

2026 Champagne Stakes Field & Barriers

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