Champions Sprint – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Overcast

The worlds best sprinter Nature Strip is out for redemption against the three year old Giga Kick who toppled him in the Everest.  The mare Bella Nipotina has been well backed in early markets coming off a 4.8 length victory in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.  There are no other runners currently under $20-1.

1. Nature Strip

Worlds best sprinter.  Won The Shorts at Randwick on September 17 then looked the winner in The Everest but was over run late off a wide run in transit.  The key here is he is third up and gets back to Flemington straight which he loves.  Think he is clearly the one to beat and very backable at even money or better.

2. Masked Crusader

Finished down the track at Rosehill last week.  Been a long time since he’s won.  Low %% play.

3. The Inferno

Never came into it in the Manikato .  Not good enough.

4. Rothfire

Was second in the Manikato.  The top few in the market would have to rate right down for him to be any winning chance.  Place at best.

5. Paulele

Blinkers go on for the first time.  Was disappointing in the Manikato after starting a well supported favourite.  Trust that SP.  Can run top three here.

6. Front Page

Was excellent winning the Kosciuszko at his last start.  Rough hope here.

7. The Astrologist

Loves the straight but is racing a good few lengths below his best at the moment.  Needs to improve.

8. Baller

Won the Bobbie Lewis then was third in the Gilgai.  Like that Zahra goes back on.  Place hope.

9 Bella Nipotina

Blew them away last start in the Manikato winning by some 4.75 lengths on the line.  Has to do it away from the Valley but is clearly flying and who is to say the Maher & Eustace combo can’t win another group 1.

10. September Run

Finished off okay along the inside at Moonee Valley.  Back to the straight suits and so does the draw.  Can run a place at big odds.

11. Roch ‘N’ Horse

Has finished runner up this track and distance at his last two.  In the mix again here.

12. Levante

Kiwi who was fourth in the Newmarket this track and trip in the spring.  Like that she draws out.  Rough hope.

13. Argentia

Is on the quick back up after winning the Rising Fast here last week.  This is tougher.

14. Giga Kick

Unbeaten three year old who won The Everest at his last start.

15. Lofty Strike

Three year old on the quick back up.  Was fourth in the Coolmore last week and gets blinkers for the first time.

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

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
1 Nature Strip	14 Giga Kick
14 Giga Kick	1 Nature Strip
5 Paulele	9 Bella Nipotina
10 September Run	6 Front Page