Sydney’s premier spring staying event for three-year-olds, The Spring Champion Stakes, is always a fascinating encounter, often having big implications on the markets for the Victoria Derby, and the VRC Kennedy Oaks later in the spring.
There are two clear market elects – Head Of State and Profondo – who fought it out last time and meet here again. Who will take out the rematch, or will something at odds cause an upset?
Read on as we look at each and every runner in the 2021 Spring Champion Stakes!
1. Head Of State (9) – $3.90
Jockey – James McDonald
Trainer – Chris Waller
Waller, McDonald, Coolmore. Some seriously heavy hitters combine here with this professional galloper, who showed maturity last start, making the most of Profondo’s greenness at a crucial stage. Should be suited heading out in trip, and will be very tough to beat.
2. Profondo (10) – $3.40
Jockey – Robbie Dolan
Trainer – Richard Litt
Possibly the most talented horse in the race, is just lacking the polish and platform here to perform to the best of its ability. Still very green as seen last outing when throwing the race away in the Gloaming Stakes. If he improves his manners he can easily win this, would have liked to see a more senior rider jump onboard.
It was Head Of State's time to shine in the Gloaming!
What did you make of the other runs? pic.twitter.com/3USNjrP8cY
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 25, 2021
3. Alegron (2) – $9
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy
Trainer – James Cummings
Ran on reasonably well in the Gloaming Stakes and looks as though it should handle the rise in distance. Could be one for exotics.
4. Benaud (7) – $12
Jockey – Hugh Bowman
Trainer – John O’Shea
Will gobble up the 2000m being out of Reliable Man, ran on well after being pestered down the straight in the Gloaming Stakes and was strong through the line. Include in exotics.
5. French Emperor (11) – $26
Jockey – Tim Clark
Trainer – David Payne
Bred to get the trip but didn’t measure up in the Gloaming Stakes. Looks hard to make a case for it.
6. Raging Bull (4) – $46
Jockey – Andrew Adkins
Trainer – David Payne
One of the few horses to be exposed over 2000m, having won a 2100m maiden at Wyong last outing. Interesting lead up, but this is a different level and the price tells the tale.
@DPayneRacing strikes the 1st blow at Wyong, with short-priced pop Raging Bull an impressive winner in the 2100m Maiden. The Bull Poiint gelding, having start 3, was ridden by @clarkyhk. Congrats 👋👋#wyongraces pic.twitter.com/z9HlElXBtj
— Wyong Race Club (@WyongRaceClub) September 21, 2021
7. Inverell (13) – $21
Jockey – Nash Rawiller
Trainer – Clayton Douglas
Won well on debut and then got battered around in the Derby Trial over 1800m at Flemington. Could be a knock out chance at odds.
8. Patton (1) – $67
Jockey – Tommy Berry
Trainer – M, W, & J Hawkes
Didn’t set the world on fire in the Gloaming Stakes and could be back and buried on the fence with the inside draw. No.
9. Clyde (12) – $126
Jockey – Joshua Parr
Trainer – Gary Portelli
Price tells the tale.
10. Satirical Glory (6) – $41
Jockey – Sam Clipperton
Trainer – John Sargent
Had an unlucky run in transit last outing and looks overs at the current quote, can throw into exotics.
11. Never Been Kissed (8) – $5
Jockey – Regan Bayliss
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
On the quick backup after winning the Flight Stakes and has had some early market support. Had a peach of a run and not sure it will get 2000m, happy to risk.
Well done @Reganbayliss @gaiwaterhouse1! 👌
NEVER BEEN KISSED WINS THE GROUP 1 FLIGHT STAKES. pic.twitter.com/6OTLpzEhT2
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 2, 2021
12. Chill – Scratched
13. Bulloo (5) – $21
Jockey – Rachel King
Trainer – Stuart Kendrick
Some merit in the run at Toowoomba, and has strong form around Starantes in Queensland. Can throw into wider exotics.
Final Say
It looks to be a race in two between Profondo and Head Of State, and we’re leaning towards the latter by the finest of margins!
We think the greater level of professionalism, and the best jockey in the country will get the job done at the better odds, with Profondo still doing too much wrong to justify a bet at the short quote.
Best Spring Champion Stakes Tip – 1. Head Of State $3.90.
There is plenty Group One racing happening this weekend! You can see the other runner-by-runner previews for each Group One this weekend, just click on one of the links below:
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.
