The Champagne Stakes is the first of two Group 1 feature races at Royal Randwick on Saturday, and we’re set for another thrilling contest between some of the country’s best juveniles.
Militarize stormed home to record an upset win in the Inglis Sires’ a fortnight ago, and he has subsequently opened a popular favourite in 2023 Champagne Stakes betting.
Have I put him on top? Scroll down to my 2023 Champagne Stakes Tips to find out!
Suggested Bets
- 3 Units straight out #1 Don Corleone
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Champagne Stakes – Winner
I have not.
Don Corleone has been one of the more consistent two-year-olds of the season, and I think he’ll be rewarded with a win in the Champagne Stakes.
The Extreme Choice colt stamped himself as one to watch by winning on debut here at Randwick back in January, and he has since finished second in a couple of Group 1 features most notably, while also running fourth in the Golden Slipper.
He’s rock-hard fit, looks a horse that will appreciate the mile, and James McDonald jumping back into the saddle is obviously a huge boost for his chances as well.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Don Corleone
Champagne Stakes – 2nd
Militarize could come out and absolutely destroy them again, but given I personally only give these two horses a chance of winning the Champagne Stakes, I’m keener to take the value on offer for Don Corleone.
Militarize has recorded two wins and a placing from his four career starts, responding to a very flat effort in the Slipper with an utterly enormous one in the Inglis Sires’.
Breeding suggests he’ll love the mile, as did his last-start effort, but it probably won’t be a heavy track this week, which might have been the difference a fortnight ago.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Militarize
Champagne Stakes – 3rd
Tom Kitten has opened an $11 third favourite in Champagne Stakes betting, and I think the bookies have got that correct.
The Harry Angel colt showed some ability, albeit at a weaker grade at the beginning of his career, but he did have admirers returning from a freshen up in last weekend’s Fernhill Handicap, and he didn’t disappoint with a lovely win.
He’ll only improve for that run, the mile clearly suits, and Nash Rawiller keeps the ride.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Tom Kitten
Champagne Stakes – 4th
Pier Pressure is still a maiden, but she was an eye-catching placegetter in the Inglis Sires’, and I think she can and will lay a great account for herself again.
The Press Statement filly has made just three appearances at the races, but she clearly has ability, and she is clearly continuing to improve as her career progresses.
The Sires’ form does look to be clearly the strongest, and Pier Pressure can also run well again.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Pier Pressure