Champion jockey James McDonald says he has no concerns over Via Sistina’s wide gate ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington.
The two-time Cox Plate winner will step from barrier 10 in a field of 11 as she looks to claim back-to-back victories in the Champions Stakes, a race McDonald has dominated in recent years.
“I think the weather doesn’t look good,” McDonald said. “I’d rather there than one to be fair. She’s a class horse.”
With rain forecast, McDonald acknowledged that conditions have previously brought Via Sistina undone at Flemington, referencing her below-par run behind Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni in the 2024 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
“The only real bad failure she’s ever had was on a wet track here at Flemington,” McDonald said. “I know it will be the fourth day of racing on it, so we should be able to get our toe into it. As long as she can get her toe into it and not be skatey, she’s fine.”
Via Sistina is currently $1.65 in Sportsbet’s market for the Champions Stakes.
Earlier on the card, McDonald reunites with Joliestar in the Group 1 Champions Sprint. The Chris Waller-trained mare won the Group 2 Shorts first-up this campaign before finishing fifth in the Group 1 Everest last start.
“She’s going well and she’ll present third-up here in pretty good order,” McDonald said. “She’s one from one up the straight, she’ll be tough to beat.”
Joliestar is the $3 second favourite for the Champions Sprint.
McDonald also partners Leica Lucy in the Group 1 Champions Mile, backing up from her second placing behind Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes last weekend.
“She will like a bit of give in the ground,” McDonald said. “It’s a very tough race, probably the toughest race of the day but she’s very honest and she’ll give a good account of herself.”
Leica Lucy is a $9 chance in the Champions Mile.
If you’re planning to bet on the Champions Stakes or any of the feature Group 1 races this weekend, be sure to compare bookmakers and promotions using our Australian betting sites guide before placing your wager.
