A star studded field has been assembled for the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington this Saturday, headlined by the return of several Cox Plate horses, notably the winner and star four year old Anamoe.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2022 Champions Stakes.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Champions Stakes
2022 Champions Stakes Speed Map
T Clark on Mustang Valley, it looks quite clear that this Kiwi mare will look to lead, and that will depend on what Zaaki does from gate one. You think he holds up and holds the front. Anamoe should lob into the 1/1 and get the run of the race, like he did in the Cox Plate.
2022 Champions Stakes Runner Preview:
1. I’m Thunderstruck: I’m Thunderstruck is a ripper for the Price/Kent camp. He was a game second to Anamoe in the Might And Power before going to the Cox Plate where he sat back and charged late when second to Anamoe again. He’s a Flemington horse and I think the last couple have confirmed that 2000m is fine.
2. Zaaki: He’s racing well, but this prep has shown there are better horses going around than him. Honest in the Underwood, Might And Power and the Cox Plate, he’ll be honest again from the front. Doubt he wins, but a must for exotics.
3. Mo’Unga: He’s racing really well this horse. The problem with him is 2000m. For mine, he’s racing like he will eat up 2400m, so wouldn’t shock me if they ran in the Zipping Classic. But can’t see him giving these a start and a beating.
4. Maximal: Likely a Good4 track come jump time here, that sees him as a sneaky place chance. Cox Plate effort, he was trucking but as soon as he was asked for an effort, the wheels were spinning. Must for multiples.
5. Hezashocka: Can easily make a case to say he should have won the Rosehill Cup last Saturday, but that was with 53.5kg. Now with 59kg, no thanks.
6. Bankers Choice: He’s flying and comes out of a hot Crystal Mie, but this is a bridge too far.
7. Anamoe: There is talk that Anamoe is not as good as what his record suggests…he’s a Group l winner at 2YO, 3YO and this season as a 4YO, he’s won four Group l races from as many runs, culminating in the Cox Plate. He’s a champion and I think 2000m at Flemington will suit him ideally. The one to beat.
8. Hinged: Waller horse on a seven day back up is gold. Great effort in the Golden Eagle last Saturday and will get a suck run from the inside gate. Another first four contender. Doubt she wins.
9. Mustang Valley: Has very suspect form around this Kiwi mare. She’s honest, has a good racing style but I don’t think she’s good enough.
10. Elliptical: The weight pull helps his cause. Given a 12/10 in the Spring Champion and was nabbed late by Sharp N Smart. That form reads well, but the end of 2000m I query.
11. Mr Maestro: He was really good in the Derby last Saturday, but that surely was the end of prep run and this is an afterthought. Can’t entertain him.
2022 Champions Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
I think if you back three horses you’ll get a profit. $35 Win on both Private Eye and My Oberon, with the other $30 on Cascadian. One of that three wins.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $2450
Group l Strategy Return: $1613.50
