The last day of the VRC Cup Carnival was once a nice way to finish a big week, but after one of the biggest rebranding’s in the history of the famed Flemington carnival, we now await an epic event appropriately named ‘Champions Day.’
The three ‘Champions’ themed races have delivered on the theme, with the best sprinter in the World Bella Nipotina, the best WFA mare in the world, Via Sistina, both lining up in the Sprint and Stakes, with a star-studded field also filling the Mile.
That’s three races, carrying $9 million in prizemoney if you don’t mind!
The Everest for all its glory and cash, hasn’t been enough for the big names to put their cue in the rack after winning that race, with race winner Bella Nipotina, runner up Giga Kick and Sunshine in Paris all lining up on Saturday to try and add a win at the best carnival in the world to their name.
Luke Dittman has Bella as his ‘Contender’ this week and who could blame him.
The racing world were disappointed when Waller and Yulong bypassed the Melbourne Cup with Via Sistina, but fear not, thanks to the new race program we see the Cox Plate record breaking mare line up a short-priced favourite to give fans one more look at her this Spring.
The Champions Mile sees Mr. Brightside finally back to a trip he loves, but all eyes will again be on Pride of Jenni, who looked exhausted in the Cox Plate, but again Ciaron is forced to run her.
Queensland star Antino has freshened up after his electric G1 win, Fangirl gets JMac chasing another Spring feature, Amelia’s Jewel continues to chase that elusive Spring G1 and 3yo star on the rise Broadsiding goes up against the older aged champs one more time.
Luke Dittman has been screaming for Mr B to drop back to the mile, so not surprisingly he has pinned him as his ‘Contender’, so be sure to tune into Ep11 of Racing Xtra to hear his thoughts on the race and some choice words for Jenni’s owner!
It’s been a hell of week so far, what more do we have in store?
