Some facts about the Group One $400,000 Champagne Stakes (1600m) to be run at Randwick on Saturday.
* Set weights and the final leg of the two-year-old triple crown after the Golden Slipper Stakes and AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
* First run over seven furlongs (1400m) in 1866 when won by Fishhook.
* From 1867 to 1880 and again in 1882 run over five furlongs (1000m).
* From 1881 until 1971 (except for 1882) run over six furlongs (1200).
* Held over 1600m since 1972.
* Outstanding gallopers to have won the race include Furious (1921), Heroic (1924), Manfred (1925), Hall Mark (1933), Ajax (1937), Todman (1957), Wiggle (1958), Noholme (1959), Sky High (1960), Time And Tide (1963), Storm Queen (1966), Vain (1969), Baguette (1970), Luskin Star (1977), Red Anchor (1984), Bounding Away (1986), Triscay (1990), Victory Vein (2002), Dance Hero (2004), Samantha Miss (2008).
* Youngsters who have claimed the juvenile triple crown: Dance Hero (2004), Burst (1992), Tierce (1991), Luskin Star (1977), Baguette (1970).
* Previously successful trainers with runners this year: Peter Snowden – Helmet, Disputes (Skilled 2010); Bart Cummings – Salade (Storm Queen 1966, Vivarchi 1976, Sky Chase 1987, Full And By 1988); Kris Lees – Uate (Samantha Miss 2008); Jason Coyle – Muhaajir (Onemorenomore 2009).
* Jockeys who have won the race before with a mount on Saturday: Hugh Bowman – Salade (Samantha Miss 2008); Nash Rawiller – Uate (Meurice 2007); Glen Boss – Running Tall (Intergaze 1996); Damien Oliver – Muhaajir (Quick Star 1999); Josh Parr – Disputes (Skilled 2010).
AAP TURF
