The Spring Champion Stakes is a Group 1 thoroughbred race for three year olds, held at Royal Randwick Racecourse during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival. Run over a distance of 2000 metres under set weight conditions, this event is an important part of Spring racing in the city of Sydney. The Spring Champion Stakes has been run since 1971, making it a relative newcomer on the Australian thoroughbred circuit.
The Spring Champion Stakes is traditionally held on Group 1 Epsom Handicap Day, but has been moved for the 2013/2014 season. It is being held one week later in 2013 to allow for a four week gap between it and the Group 1 Golden Rose in September. This event is now worth $400,000 in prize money, which is enough to attract a high quality field each year.
Some of the outstanding horses to have won this event over the years include Universal Prince in 2000, Dignity Dancer in 1998, Tie The Knot in 1997, Nothin’ Leica Dane in 1995, Kinjite in 1991, St. Jude in 1990, Stylish Century in 1989, and champion galloper Kingston Town in 1979. During the last few seasons, the Spring Champion Stakes has been won by Sousa in 2008, Monaco Consul in 2009, Erewhon in 2010, Doctor Doom in 2011, and It’s a Dundeel in 2012.
Historically, The Gloaming Stakes has been the best guide for the Spring Champion Stakes, with both It’s a Dundeel in 2012 and Doctor Doom in 2011 finishing second in The Gloaming on their way to this event. The Listed Dulcify Quality at Randwick Racecourse earlier in the carnival can also be a good guide for the Spring Champion Stakes.