Track: Soft 6 (likely trending to Soft 7 with rain)
Weather: Heavy showers, cool, windy
Rail: True
Feature Race: Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m)
Stakes Day, traditionally known as “Family Day” at Flemington, closes out Cup Week — but unlike the sunny editions we’ve enjoyed in recent years, Mother Nature looks set to play a leading role in 2025. With 20–40mm of rain forecast and stiff south-westerlies, punters should expect genuinely rain-affected conditions and a track that may deteriorate through the card.
Wet-track form becomes king, and we often see a grinding, on-speed style rewarded when the going gets heavy at Headquarters. Be wary of horses trapped wide or those that need firm footing to show their turn of foot.
G1 Champions Stakes (2000m) 🏆— Preview & Tip
Key Contenders
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Via Sistina: The mare to beat, with weight-for-age class and form at this level. If she handles the wet, she remains favourite.
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Zambardo: Lighter weight (58.5kg) and form improving — if the ground deteriorates, this looks a genuine improver.
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Tom Kitten: A local hope, drawn favourably, and if conditions suit his style he could run well at bigger odds.
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Alenquer: International runner with questions on how he handles the Australian wet tracks — high risk, high reward.
On a heavy track, early leaders who can stay in touch will have an advantage. The final 400–600 m will be very testing for horses who have to weave through tiring rivals. Barrier draw, inside speed and adaptability will matter more than sheer turn of foot.
Our Selection – Via Sistina
With her class and experience, Via Sistina remains the benchmark in this field. If the rain doesn’t hamper her, she’s going to be hard to beat, although there’s not a lot of fat in the price. The each-way value is Zambardo — if the track does get heavy, this horse might be the one to swoop.
Back Via Sistina to win – $1.60 at Dabble
Each-way value: Zambardo $14.00/$3.00 at Dabble
