Ciaron Maher's Tempted is the early favourite for Saturday's Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington, with Joliestar and defending champion Giga Kick among 16 nominations.
The Flemington carnival has one big day left. Saturday is Champions Stakes Day, and the $3 million Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) has drawn a strong set of nominations, led by the Ciaron Maher-trained Tempted.
The nominations
Sixteen horses have been nominated for the weight-for-age sprint down the straight. Tempted is clear early favourite, with Chris Waller's Joliestar next. Defending champion Giga Kick is also among the nominations.
- Angel Capital
- Caballus
- Charm Stone
- Geegees Mistruth
- Giga Kick
- Grand Larceny
- Headwall
- Joliestar
- Lazzura
- Mazu
- Plaintiff
- Point Barrow
- Rey Magnerio
- Skybird
- Tempted
- The Next Episode
Giga Kick won this race last year in testing conditions, so he can't be left out if there is more rain. Joliestar was aimed at this race last year too and is back for another try for Waller. Headwall and Point Barrow are next in the early market.
The final field and barrier draw are due out later this week.
Maher's flying finish
Maher has had a carnival to remember. He trained the first three home in the Melbourne Cup, and on Derby Day his sprinter The Next Episode won the Coolmore Stud Stakes. The Next Episode is another of his Champions Sprint nominations, so the stable could have two genuine chances on Saturday.
The rest of Stakes Day
The Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) and the Champions Stakes are also on Saturday's card, and fields for both are still being finalised. We will have more on those as the acceptances come out.
The punting angle
The Flemington straight 1200m is a different test from a turning sprint, so look closely at each horse's record down the straight and at where it draws. Barriers matter in straight races because the field often splits into two groups. Wait for the draw before settling on a view, especially with a short-priced favourite heading the market.