The Group 1 action kicks off at Randwick this Saturday with the running of the Champagne Stakes (1600m), which has drawn together an exciting line-up of two-year-olds.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the expected race tempo, individual runner assessments, and a suggested $100 betting play for the 2025 Champagne Stakes.
2025 Champagne Stakes Runner Preview:
1. State Visit: State Visit commands respect. I was keen on him at a price in the Sires and 300m out, he looked the winner, but had to settle for a close up second to Vinrock. I reckon overall, they were a good bunch of juveniles, but the overall time was horrendous, so that does pour cold water, but he was a few weeks between runs there and has upside/improvement.
2. Nepotism: Nepotism, I think, has a bit on these. He just looks the most progressive and the one with a sense of timing. He spanked them in the Baillieu but like the Sires, the time vs the rest of the meeting was just fair, nothing to jump up and down about. But, he will eat up 1600m and has change up speed.
3. Buffalo: Talented horse for sure and was game, close up in the Sires…but he does lose a world class hope in Zac Purton and I do think there are others from the Sires with more upside, so I think he could be unders.
4. Is It Spectacular: Gritty first up win at Warwick Farm but this is much harder. Can’t entertain him.
5. Michaelangelo: Big, big price for mine. The Fernhill was a barrier trial last Saturday and given he was back near last, he was never a factor. Blinkers on, more genuine tempo, 1600m lead in…I say he can win this for sure.
6. Federalist: Federalist looks like he’ll be a Spring Champion horse next prep. He has no idea what he is doing at the moment but he looks to have an engine under the hood. He got back in the run and lost the plot but he picked up and was quite good to/through the line. 1600m is ideal, fitter, better for the experience…first four contender.
7. Within The Law: On paper, no. But, she is out of a Dundeel mare, which gives me faith that 1600m is no issue and each time she has stepped out, she has found the line with purpose. She has to be respected.
8. Bellazaine: Gutsy filly for GaiBott but just feel that 1600m at this level is a bridge too far. 1400m of the Sires was too far so for mine, she is clear unders.
9. Spicy Lu: She was disrespected last Saturday in the Fernhill and she made a mess of them via complete front end control. More depth here, more front end pressure, but hard to knock a filly that is unbeaten.
10. Tupakara: Had every chance in the Fernhill last Saturday and was safely held not for me.
11. Lady Pankhurst: Very keen in the run in the Fernhill but she actually stuck on well. But, she’s going to struggle.
12. Next Jen: Next Jen looks a good filly on the up for Neasham/Archibald. She was a strong debut winner over 1300m at Newcastle before going to the Baillieu where she got too far back but was a real eye catcher behind Nepotism. 1600m looks ideal and is a key chance.
2025 Champagne Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Nepotism Tote/SP
Group l Strategy Outlay: $6050
Group l Strategy Return: $3504.50
2025 Champagne Stakes Speed Map
There looks to be three main speed runners engaged. Bellazaine is a slight query at 1600m but should lead, with Spicy Lu lobbing outside. Lady Pankhurst was keen on speed in the Fernhill last week so she may opt to get the sit in behind.
2025 Champagne Stakes Odds
