Champions Sprint 2023 Race Details
Race 6 at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday the 11th November 2023.
The VRC Sprint Classic (Darley Classic) is a 1200 metre weight-for-age race for three-year-olds and upwards held by the Victoria Racing Club. It is run on the straight course at Flemington in November on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Champions Sprint page.
Champions Sprint 2023 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
A field of eleven have accepted for the Group 1 Champions Sprint. At the time of writing the five shortest price runners in the market are mares which is something I don’t think I have ever seen before in an open Group 1! Imperatriz is a shades of odds on coming off three dynamic Moonee Valley wins. In Secret may of won The Everest on a fair track and is second pick for the formidable combination of Cummings and McDonald.
Champions Sprint 2023 Runner by Runner
1. Front Page
Won The Kosciuskzo first up on track that suited leaders. This is a lot harder.
2. Buenos Noches
Was back and wide in The Everest which wasn’t the spot to be but I’m concerned about the strength of that form. He was a late scratching in the William Reid which is another concern. What I do like is the booking of Blake Shinn and the gate.
3. Lofty Strike
Unlikely.
4. Star Patrol
Track and distance specialist who has been very good winning both starts here this campaign. Deserves his crack at a Group 1.
5. Airman
Lightly raced four year old who doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Has gone to a new level this prep but would need a big new peak to be running top three here.
6. Bella Nipotina
Was terrific against the bias two back then, produced an amazing win last week at Rosehill to beat the Everest quinella. Is flying but barrier 1 looks far from ideal.
7. In Secret
Thought her run in the Everest was absolutely terrific from a hopeless position. I like that they just kept backing her in that despite the awful map. She loves the straight and I think she is the obvious danger to Imperatriz.
8. Imperatriz
Gun Kiwi mare who could not of been more impressive winning her three starts at the Valley this campaign. She is so adaptable. Won twice coming from behind with a huge turn of foot, then lead last start and ran away from them. She’s the one to beat.
9. Espiona
Won the Invitation last start following a solid showing in the Everest. I don’t think she is good enough.
10. Asfoora
Quality mare who keeps improving . Was second to Imperatriz two back at the Valley then bolted in at Caulfield. I think she will run well here.
11. C’est Magique
Not good enough.
Champions Sprint 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
|
Lewis Oliver’s Tips
|
Jo Jackson’s Tips | |
| 8 Imperatriz | 8 Imperatriz | |
| 7 In Secret | 6 Bella Nipotina | |
| 10 Asfoora | 7 In Secret | |
| 6 Bella Nipotina | 5 Airman |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Champions Stakes 2023 (Flemington 2000m)
Group 1 Champions Mile 2023 (Flemington 1600m)
Group 2 Matriarch Stakes 2023 (Flemington 2000m)
Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2023 (Flemington 2600m)
Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1400m)
Listed Fairetha Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1400m)
Listed Luckygray Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Keith Noud Quality Handicap 2023 (Doomben 1200m)
The Five Diamonds 2023 (Rosehill 1800m)
Golden Gift 2023 (Rosehill 1800m)
Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes 2023 (Rosehill 1400m)
Champions Sprint 2023 Race Results
| Result | Horse | Margin |
| 1st | 8 Imperatriz | |
| 2nd | 2 Buenos Nachos | 0.5 length |
| 3rd | 7 In Secret | 1.25 lengths |
| 4th | 9 Espiona | 2 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 4.
There were no scratchings.