Champagne Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Fourteen 2 year-olds have accepted for the time honored Champagne Stakes.  Ten are colts, two are geldings and two are fillies.  Four had their last start in the Sires Produce on April 10 while four others ran in the Fernhill Handicap last Saturday.  Trainer Bjorn Baker has a strong hand with three runners in the race.  Team Hawkes also have multiple runners.  The early favourite in the betting is Hilal.  He finished second in the Sires Produce Stakes and gets the in form Tommy Berry in the saddle.  The second favourite is Captivant.  He ran fifth in the Golden Slipper, then third in the Sires Produce Stakes and looks to have a good platform fourth up into this with James McDonald aboard.

Converge is on the back up after winning the Fernhill Handicap and like most Waterhouse/Bott horses likes to race up on speed.  Gin Martini caught the eye with a fast finish along the fence in the Baillieu Stakes.  Jamie Kah keeps the ride on Queen Of Wizardry who got going late in the Sires Produce Stakes.  Maurices’ Medad has finished in the placings at his last four runs, while Akahata is still a maiden.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Captivant

Captivant appears to be one of the horses with the best set up here.  This campaign he has finished third in the Skyline, fifth in the Golden Slipper and third in the Sires Produce.  He also gets back onto a good surface which he is one from one on.  Leading chance!

2. Hilal

No match for Anamoe in the Sires Produce but it was still a good effort to finish second after being snagged back to last from a wide barrier.  He should be able to settle handier from barrier four this time around.  One of the main contenders.

3. Converge

Has won two of his four starts.  Latest, he took full advantage of a good run in transit to win the Fernhill.  May still have some improvement to come.

4. Daily Bugle

Was in the wrong section of the track last time but only battled to the line.  He has shown ability but could be looking for the paddock.

5. I’ve Been There

Hit the line hard to win at Eagle Farm last time out but 33 days between runs for a 2yo trying 1600m for the first time is a big query.

6. Maurice’s Medad

Backs up after fighting on well to finish second in last weeks Fernhill.  Prior to that he won a Hawkesbury maiden.  In the mix.

7. Arnaqueur

Winkers go on.  He is having just his third start and I thought his effort was okay last week hitting the line out wide after being pushed off the track.  Consider for multiples.

8. Akahata

Another one backing up out of the Fernhill.  He got a soft run on the fence and finished third.  The wide barrier could be an issue here.

9. Patton

Liked his win at Pakenham on debut but he disappointed at Ballarat last time.  Hard to recommend off that.

10. Port Louis

Really interesting runner.  He is still a maiden but hit the line strongly at Canterbury behind the promising Billiondollarbaby and gets Hugh Bowman on.  The big query is 1200m to 1600m.

11. Wolf Burn

One of the Bjorn Baker runners.  Ran well in a Kembla Grange maiden last time but not sure if that’s the right form.

12. Lease

Safely held in two maidens this campaign.  Looks a big throw at the stumps.

13. Queen Of Wizardry

Looked to be travelling well in the Sires Produce before copping a check which appeared to cost her a couple of lengths in the early part of the straight.  Got going again late.  1600m shouldn’t pose any problems.

14. Gin Martini

Gin Martini caught the eye with a fast finish along the fence in the Bailleu Stakes.  Also beat home Maurice’s Medad in a maiden prior.  She is an improving type and is in the mix.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2. Hilal	2. Hilal
1. Captivant	1. Captivant
3. Converge	10. Port Louis
7. Arnaqueur	13. Queen Of Wizardry

Group 1 All Aged Stakes 2021 (Randwick 1400m)

Group 3 Breeders Stakes 2021 (Morphettville 1200m)