SPRING CHAMPION STAKES 2020 PREVIEW
3YO
2000m
$1,000,000
GOOD 4
RAIL +4M 2000-1600m, +6M Remainder
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1 | 11x32 | CHERRY TORTONI | P PAYNE | R MALONEY (4) | 56.5 | $5 |
| 2 | 24x28 | GLOBAL QUEST | C WALLER | G BOSS (9) | 56.5 | |
| 3 | 1111 | LOVE TAP | R & M FREEDMAN | N RAWILLER (14) | 56.5 | $4 |
| 4 | x7712 | STREET DANCER | A CUMMINGS | REGAN BAYLISS (15) | 56.5 | $41 |
| 5 | 1173 | BUCHAREST | C WALLER | J B MC DONALD (3) | 56.5 | $17 |
| 6 | 1x211 | LION'S ROAR | J O'SHEA | B AVDULLA (7) | 56.5 | $19 |
| 7 | 1x826 | ACHIEVER | C WALLER | MS K O'HARA (10) | 56.5 | $61 |
| 8 | 2x383 | ALBARADO | T B & N YOUNG | TIM CLARK (11) | 56.5 | |
| 9 | 34413 | CHOIR | JAMES CUMMINGS | MS R KING (2) | 56.5 | $26 |
| 10 | 6x176 | WERTHEIMER | T B & N YOUNG | TOMMY BERRY (8) | 56.5 | $26 |
| 11 | 461 | SOCRATES | J O'SHEA | K MCEVOY (5) | 56.5 | $41 |
| 12 | 6x692 | GORSHIN | A CUMMINGS | LOUISE DAY (6) | 56.5 | $126 |
| 13 | x3141 | MONTEFILIA | D PAYNE | J R COLLETT (1) | 54.5 | $3 |
| 14 | 0x176 | MIRAVALLE | MARK NEWNHAM | J PARR (13) | 54.5 | $29 |
| 15 | 8x734 | FAVREAU | J SARGENT | S CLIPERTON (12) | 56.5 | $21 |
OVERVIEW
The Spring Champion Stakes headlines a bumper meeting of racing this week from Royal Randwick. The mile and a quarter event is shaping up as an intriguing contest, with a number of different formlines converging as the three-year-olds look to get out over the mile and a quarter trip for the first time. In recent years, a number of talented three-year-olds have used this race to springboard into the Cox Plate, most notably Castelvecchio last year who ended up running a slashing second to the eventual winner in Lys Gracieux.
SPEED MAP
Appears relatively little pressure here. Love Tap rolled forward to make all in the Gloaming last start and you would expect Nash Rawiller to adopt similar tactics here from a wide draw. Street Dancer, Bucharest and Lion’s Roar all look to take up prominent positions. Montefilia and Cherry Tortoni midfield.
KEY RUNNERS
- LOVE TAP ($4.20)
Unbeaten galloper who comes into this race primed off a strong all the way win in the traditional lead-up, the Gloaming Stakes over 1800m. Rolled forward and led at a good tempo there, kicked clear turning for home and was still strong late suggesting the step to 2000m should be no issue. Think the wide draw plays into his hands here as he can be a slightly tardy beginner, meaning Nash can take his time to roll across and find a prominent position. With the rail out, we’re predicting on pace as the place to be which only enhances his chances.
- MONTEFILIA ($3.00)
The David Payne trained Montefilia has been well supported in early betting and currently sits atop the market at $3.00. Comes into this race on the seven day back up after knocking off Hungry Heart last week in a high rating Flight Stakes. The race was run to suit her on that occasion, sitting back off the good speed and then showing her staying prowess late. Has always looked as though she would appreciate getting to the 2000m but this looks a completely different race shape this week with potentially a lot less pressure. Not in love with the draw either, likely to be midfield and buried from gate 1 which means she may need luck in the straight.
- CHERRY TORTONI ($4.60)
Very interesting runner here who brings the different form coming up from Melbourne. Third up on Saturday, the Patrick Payne gelding has been very strong in both his runs this preparation, savaging the line late in strong closing sectionals first up before a strong effort last start in the Stutt Stakes where he chased a good one in Glenfiddich. Has long been touted as a Derby type, so puts those credentials on the line on Saturday. Shouldn’t be too far away here from the good gate and is certainly capable of being in the finish if he can adapt to the Sydney way of going.
BLUEY’S PICK
- LOVE TAP ($4.40)
Pretty keen on the grey in Love Tap in the Group One for all the reasons outlined. Still looks on the upward spiral and should really appreciate getting out to 2000m. Although the horse has been up for a while, he’s been set for this race from a long way out and looks to peak come race day. Gets map favours with a noted front running rider in good form. He’ll do us.
