Champions Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Overcast

The old Mackinnon, now known as the Champions Stakes promises to be one of the races of the spring with four of the top five place getters in the Cox Plate set for a rematch over 2000m at Flemington.  Anamoe is a shade of odds on at the time of writing this coming off his win in Cox Plate.  He has drawn perfectly again in barrier four for James McDonald.  I’m Thunderstruck was finishing hard in the Cox Plate and the market has him as the danger at $4.  He has the Melbourne Cup winning jock Mark Zahra in the saddle.  Two three year olds have accepted which adds a further layer to the race.

1. I’m Thunderstruck

Has had a terrific spring.  Won the Group 1 Makybe Diva and has been Group 1 placed on three other occasions including last start in the Cox Plate.  He flew home there into second.  Back to Flemington suits and barrier 8 is perfect.  Zahra should be able to get him into the best going late on day 4 of the carnival.  Genuine threat to Anamoe.

2. Zaaki

Looked to be going backwards on the turn in the Cox Plate but picked up again and boxed onto okay into fourth spot.  Looks to get complete control out in front here.  In the mix.

3. Mo’unga

Has been getting back and finishing hard all spring.  Firmer footing could be tohis liking here.  The wide barrier makes things tricky.  Probably has to go right back and try and tag I’m Thunderstruck into it but that could work out well.  Over the odds to my eye.

4. Maximal

Another who looks suited getting back onto firmer footing.  Not sure he has the class to be winning though.

5. Hezashocka

Was second in the Rosehill Gold Cup last week.  This is harder.

6. Bankers Choice

No luck in the Toorak, then finished off really well in the Crystal Mile last start.  Like the draw and the jockey.

7. Anamoe

Won the Cox Plate last start.  His fourth consecutive Group 1 win this spring.  Drawn well with McDonald.  The one they all have to get past.

8. Hinged

Backed up after finishing fifth in the Golden Eagle last Saturday.  Consider for multiples.

9. Mustang Valley

Kiwi who bolted in by five lengths in a Group 1 at Hastings on October 15.  Was second to La Crique (4th in the Empire Rose) at her start prior.   Is that form good enough? Good ground looks a query.

10. Elliptical

Three year old who was unlucky not to win the Caulfield Guineas, then finished second in the Spring Champion.  Williams goes on.  Knock out hope.

11. Mr Maestro

Second of the three year olds.  Was very good in the Derby last week.  Class and back to 2000m a query for me but he has an inform jock and a good gate.

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

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
1 I’m Thunderstruck	7 Anamoe
7 Anamoe	1 I’m Thunderstruck
3 Mo’unga	9 Mustang Valley
2 Zaaki	11 Mr Maestro