The final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival promises more thrilling racing actioned including the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. This year’s edition boasts a field of twelve elite horses, headlined by the dominant mare Via Sistina.
Via Sistina is odds-on to win Saturday’s Champions Stakes off her historic Cox Plate triumph. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Chris Waller‘s champion mare Via Sistina is the clear favourite at a short $1.70 in Champions Stakes 2024 betting at Ladbrokes. Fresh off a record-breaking victory in the Cox Plate, she’s aiming for a hat-trick after also winning the Turnbull Stakes at this very track and distance. James McDonald retains the ride from a favourable barrier four. Her class and recent form make her a formidable contender.
Last year’s winner, Atishu, could offer a challenge at $7.50 Champions Stakes odds. Also trained by master horseman Waller, she’s coming off a win in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) on Derby Day and boasts a strong record at Flemington. While Via Sistina might be the stable’s star this year, Atishu shouldn’t be underestimated chasing a successful title defence.
The 2023 Melbourne Cup winner, Without A Fight, has generated excitement with his return to racing in the Champions Stakes field. Without a lead-up trial, he’s priced at $9 but has plenty of supporters. His Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double last year showcased his talent, and connections are confident he’s back without concern after recovering from injury.
Other contenders to watch in an outstanding edition of the weight-for-age showdown include:
- Duke De Sessa ($14): Ciaron Maher‘s Caulfield Cup champion returns to a shorter distance.
- Docklands ($15): Harry Eustace‘s UK raider has opted for this Melbourne run over the Five Diamonds in Sydney.
- Deny Knowledge ($23): Group 1 Might And Power winning mare with potential for an upset.
The Race Details:
- Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Time: 5:10 PM (AEDT)
- Racecourse: Flemington Racecourse
- Distance: 2000 meters
- Prize Money: $3 million
Who will come out on top? Can Via Sistina complete her spring dominance, or will another horse rise to the challenge? The VRC Champions Stakes promises to be a race for the ages.
2024 Champions Stakes Field
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20x11x611x | WITHOUT A FIGHT (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Mark Zahra | 10 | 59kg | 117 | ||
| 2 | 33×7552441 | DUKE DE SESSA (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Harry Coffey | 5 | 59kg | 111 | ||
| 3 | 14x0x75x04 | ARAPAHO (FR) | Bjorn Baker | Ben Melham | 11 | 59kg | 108 | ||
| 4 | x73407x803 | NUGGET (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Michael Dee | 8 | 59kg | 103 | ||
| 5 | x0656x3201 | FUTURE HISTORY (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 6 | 59kg | 103 | ||
| 6 | 211x1x1137 | ELIYASS (FR) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Nash Rawiller | 2 | 59kg | 109 | ||
| 7 | x3x222x7x5 | DOCKLANDS (GB) | Harry Eustace | Declan Bates | 7 | 59kg | 110 | ||
| 8 | 9x513x2x62 | ROYAL CHAMPION (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Craig Williams | 9 | 59kg | 109 | ||
| 9 | 5x24x95x11 | KINGSWOOD (GB) | Gavin Bedggood | John Allen | 3 | 59kg | 98 | ||
| 10 | x2x12x1511 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 4 | 57kg | 124 | ||
| 11 | 8132×96631 | ATISHU (NZ) | Chris Waller | Jye McNeil | 1 | 57kg | 114 | ||
| 12 | 034021×515 | DENY KNOWLEDGE (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Damian Lane | 12 | 57kg | 112 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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