Champions Stakes Preview
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by James Brownley
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Gallops
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13 October, 2023
It’s arguably the feature of the Spring, with the Champions Stakes stacked full of stars. Anamoe looks to make it 5 on the trot and Zaaki looks to make it back to back in this race. I’m Thunderstruck has been close recently and will this be his time to shine.
Anamoe is the best horse in the country in my eyes and will be hard to beat again. He was sensational when winning the Cox Plate and is going for Group 1 number 4 this preparation. He’s never had a run at Flemington but I believe it will suit and from barrier 4 will sit just behind the speed. He’s going to be extremely hard to beat but might be vulnerable late.
I’m Thunderstruck was great late in the Cox Plate going very close to Anamoe. Returns to a big track at Flemington where he’s never been outside of the placings at headquarters and has placed twice over 2000 metres. His last win 4 starts ago was huge and I think he’ll be storming home late chasing the champion down again. If anyones going to beat Anamoe it’s going to be him.
Mr Maestro was unlucky in The Derby and comes here with no weight and drops in distance. His three runs before that were all impressive wins and will get a good run just off midfield. If he backs up well, he will be running home late and could be an each way play
Zaaki returns and looks to make it back-to-back in the Champions Stakes. Loves the track and the trip and will settle on the speed of which there looks to be minimal. If he can get a few chasing, before entering the straight he will be hard to run down but if not I fear it will be a similar feat to his cox plate defeat. Top three hope.
Mo’unga was good in the Cox Plate but has a tendency to be inconsistent. Back to a firm track will benefit and a bigger track will allow for a better run late. Will be following I’m Thunderstruck into it and if he can run over the top is a sneaky place chance and top 4 hope.
Anamoe is going to be extremely difficult to beat with I’m Thunderstruck running him down late to be bridesmaid again. Zaaki in for third and Mo’unga for fourth with Mr Maestro being the smokey chance here.
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