The 2025 Champions Sprint runs on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia the TAB NZ have all the top Champions Sprint tips and odds!
Champions Sprint Info
- 2025 Champions Sprint Date: Saturday the 8th of November 2025
- Track Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Distance: 1,200m
- Conditions: Weight-For-Age; 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (AUD): $3,000,000
- First Run: 1960
- Reigning Champions Sprint Winner: Sunshine In Paris (2024)
Looking for the latest Champions Sprint odds, expert racing tips and race history? The TAB NZ have all the insider insights to make informed bets on the Champions Sprint race this Melbourne Cup Carnival!
The Group 1 Champions Sprint is a crucial sprint test for Australia’s short-distance racehorses as they race at Flemington Racecourse on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in November down the iconic “Straight Six” track.
To maximise your winnings, arm yourself with the latest Champions Sprint odds and tips.
TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of spring contenders that may be coming off runs in some of the country’s biggest races including the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in Australia, our comprehensive Champions Sprint coverage has everything you need.
Ready to back your favourite straight six sprint star? Back your Champions Sprint champion with TAB NZ this season!
Champions Sprint Fast Facts
- Last mare to win the Champions Sprint: Sunshine In Paris (2024)
- Last multiple Champions Sprint winner: Nature Strip (2019 & 2021)
- Last favourite to win the Champions Sprint: Imperatriz ($2.15 in 2023)
- Last three-year-old Champions Sprint winner: Scamanda (1974)
- Last filly to win the Champions Sprint: Pharein (1999)
- Notable Fact: Undefeated turf queen Black Caviar won her first ever Group 1 race in the 2010 edition!
Champions Sprint betting takes place on the popular Champions Sprint race – registered as the VRC Stakes and formerly known as the VRC Sprint Classic – which is held at Flemington Racecourse on a Saturday in early November annually.
Champions Sprint odds are offered on the esteemed, weight-for-age, Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Group 1 sprint event, and the field attracts a host of quality horses coming off the country’s biggest spring races.
The event is held as part of a bumper meeting to close out the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival taking place on the Saturday after the world-famous Melbourne Cup race on the first Tuesday of November.
The Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint is one of Australia’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1960 when Karina won the then Craven ‘A’ Stakes.
It was known as the Craven ‘A’ Stakes from its inauguration in 1960 to 1979 and has undergone a host of name changes throughout its history.
Race Name Changes:
- Craven ‘A’ Stakes (1960-79)
- Pure-Pak Stakes (1980-84)
- Gadsden Stakes (1985-93)
- Southcorp Packaging Stakes (1994-95)
- Salinger Stakes (1996-2006)
- The Age Classic (2007)
- Patinack Farm Classic (2008-12)
- VRC Sprint Classic (2013)
- Darley Classic (2014-17)
- VRC Sprint Classic (2018)
- Darley Sprint Classic (2019-21)
- Darley Champions Sprint (2022-2024)
The Champions Sprint holds a special place in racing history due to the number of subsequent or reigning overseas Group 1 winners and turf sprint stars that have won the event.
Taking place at arguably Australia’s most famous racecourse, Flemington, the Champions Sprint was a fixture on Victoria Derby Day, the inaugural day of the VRC Spring Carnival, before 2006. However, in 2007, it was relocated to the final day of the carnival, and its conditions were simultaneously changed to weight-for-age.
The Champions Sprint distance has remained at the current 1,200m (six furlongs) consistently since its first running and takes place down the Flemington “Straight Six”.
It gained Group 1 status in 1979 the year Rooney won.
Champions Stakes Day
Champions Stakes Day 2025 at Flemington Racecourse is set to be a spectacular finale to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect:
🏇 Feature Races
Champions Stakes Day showcases three prestigious Group 1 races, each offering $3 million in prize money 1:
- Champions Stakes (2000m) – A weight-for-age classic for elite middle-distance horses.
- VRC Champions Mile (1600m) – A premier mile race, returning to Stakes Day after being held on Derby Day.
- Champions Sprint (1200m) – A high-speed contest for the season’s top sprinters.
Additional races include:
- Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) – For mares.
- Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) – A staying test that often attracts horses balloted out of the Melbourne Cup field.
🎉 Event Highlights
- Hospitality & Experiences: From the Skyline Lounge with panoramic views to the Kirin Ichiban Pavilion and The 350 Collective, there are premium dining and viewing options for every taste.
- Family Day: The event is also known as “Family Day,” featuring entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.
- Fashion & Fun: Expect vibrant fashion, gourmet food, and a festive atmosphere to close out Cup Week in style.
Get the best Champions Stakes Day racing odds for Melbourne, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the meeting’s feature Group 1 races now at the TAB NZ!
Expert Tips on the 2025 Champions Sprint
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Champions Sprint betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature at Flemington.
To Win: TBD
Champions Sprint Tips
Champions Sprint tips on which horse will win the next edition of the event flood in as the countdown to the important Flemington race heats up.
Champions Sprint tips on what horse will win the Champions Sprint this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.
When looking at Champions Sprint race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the Champions Sprint field are proven over the distance?
- Who the key Champions Sprint trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Champions Sprint field this year?
- Champions Sprint barrier statistics and where your Champions Sprint betting selections are drawn.
- Champions Sprint horses that are coming off a lead-up run in a key preparatory race like the Manikato Stakes.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Champions Sprint race tip? The event itself takes around 1 minute and 10 seconds for competing horses to run the 1,200m trip depending on track conditions.
The official Champions Sprint winner and winning Champions Sprint trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Champions Sprint result.
Who holds the Champions Sprint race record? The race record for the Champions Sprint was set by Rubitano in 2002 when they won in 1 minute 07:17 seconds.
What are the best Champions Sprint lead-up races to look at when placing a Champions Sprint bet?
Horses traditionally contest the Champions Sprint off earlier spring lead-up in races including the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley in early September, the Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley later that month, and the world’s richest turf race the Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) held at Randwick in October.
Imperatriz (2023) was also the last horse to complete the Moir Stakes – Champions Sprint double in the same calendar year.
Imperatriz (2023) was the last horse to complete the Manikato Stakes – Champions Sprint in the same calendar year.
Horses to complete The Everest – Champions Sprint double in the same year: Redzel (2017) and Nature Strip (2021).
Australian-Bred Horses in the Champions Sprint
Betting on the Australian born and bred horses in the field is more and more popular as Champions Sprint tips favour the proven local sprinters who have dominated the race in recent history.
Looking back over the Champions Sprint history and statistics shows that only three winners were foaled outside of Australia with the New Zealand-bred trio of Glamour Puss (2005), Swick (2008), and Roch ‘n’ Horse (2002).
Champions Sprint Tips for a Trifecta
Champions Sprint tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Champions Sprint results.
The horse to finish on top of the Champions Sprint trifecta is your Champions Sprint winner, the runner who outstayed all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a Champions Sprint trifecta exotic bet on the race is a great way to add to the thrill and potentially be rewarded with a generous pay-out.
A Champions Sprint trifecta is only successful if the three horses in your bet finish in the exact order you predict. Punters may choose instead to box their trifecta bets on the Champions Sprint to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite into your Champions Sprint trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have a strong recent strike-rate running in the money.
Key Champions Sprint Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Champions Sprint by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Champions Sprint. Our Champions Sprint betting tips available at the TAB NZ Punters Lounge provide detailed win rate statistics.
- Place Percentages: Evaluate horses with consistent place percentages, indicating reliability and competitiveness. Champions Sprint race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from barriers 6-9 have historically shown a higher success rate in the Champions Sprint.
Bet on the 2025 Champions Sprint now!
Past Champions Sprint Results
Recent Champions Sprint winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the year 2005 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner – Age/Gender
Breeding |
Jockey | Weight (kgs) | Trainer/s | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNSHINE IN PARIS (AUS) 5M INVADER (AUS) – ZENAIDA (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 56.5 | ANNABEL & ROB ARCHIBALD | 9 | |
| IMPERATRIZ (AUS) 5M I AM INVINCIBLE (AUS) – BERIMBAU (AUS) SHAMARDAL (USA) |
O P BOSSON | 56.5 | MARK WALKER | 8 | |
| ROCH ‘N’ HORSE (NZ) 6M PER INCANTO (USA) – ROCHFORT (NZ) CECCONI (AUS) |
J MOTT | 56.5 | MICHAEL MORONEY | 6 | |
| NATURE STRIP (AUS) 7G NICCONI (AUS) – STRIKELINE (AUS) DESERT SUN (GB) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 58.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 2 | |
| BIVOUAC (AUS) 4H EXCEED AND EXCEL (AUS) – DAZZLER (AUS) MORE THAN READY (USA) |
G BOSS | 58.5 | JAMES CUMMINGS | 6 | |
| NATURE STRIP (AUS) 5G NICCONI (AUS) – STRIKELINE (AUS) DESERT SUN (GB) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 58.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 9 | |
| SANTA ANA LANE (AUS) 6G LOPE DE VEGA (IRE) – FAST FLEET (AUS) FASTNET ROCK (AUS) |
M J ZAHRA | 58.5 | ANTHONY FREEDMAN | 5 | |
| REDZEL (AUS) 5G SNITZEL (AUS) – MILLRICH (AUS) RUBITON (AUS) |
K MCEVOY | 58.5 | P & P SNOWDEN | 9 | |
| MALAGUERRA (AUS) 5G MAGNUS (AUS) – TENNESSEE MORN (AUS) BLETCHINGLY (AUS) |
B MELHAM | 58.5 | PETER GELAGOTIS | 11 | |
| DELECTATION (AUS) 4G SHAMARDAL (USA) – GRACE AND POWER (USA) MORE THAN READY (USA) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 58.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 8 | |
| TERRAVISTA (AUS) 5G CAPTAIN RIO (GB) – PARFORE (NZ) GOLD BROSE (AUS) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 58.5 | JOSEPH PRIDE | 6 | |
| BUFFERING (AUS) 6G MOSSMAN (AUS) – ACTION ANNIE (AUS) ANABAA (USA) |
D J BROWNE | 58.5 | ROBERT HEATHCOTE | 1 | |
| MENTAL (AUS) 4G LONHRO (AUS) – INTRIGUES (AUS) NIGHT SHIFT (USA) |
K MCEVOY | 58.5 | PETER SNOWDEN | 10 | |
| BLACK CAVIAR (AUS) 5M BEL ESPRIT (AUS) – HELSINGE (AUS) DESERT SUN (GB) |
L NOLEN | 56.5 | PETER G MOODY | 4 | |
| BLACK CAVIAR (AUS) 4M BEL ESPRIT (AUS) – HELSINGE (AUS) DESERT SUN (GB) |
B MELHAM | 56.5 | PETER G MOODY | 6 | |
| ALL SILENT (AUS) 6G BELONG TO ME (USA) – LISHEENOWEN (AUS) SEMIPALATINSK (USA) |
NICHOLAS HALL | 58.5 | GRAHAME BEGG | 7 | |
| SWICK (NZ) 7G O’REILLY (NZ) – CREME ANGLAISE (NZ) CRESTED WAVE (USA) |
M RODD | 58.5 | BART CUMMINGS | 1 | |
| MISS ANDRETTI (AUS) 6M IHTIRAM (IRE) – PEGGIE’S BID (AUS) MAROONED (GB) |
C NEWITT | 56.0 | D L FREEDMAN | 4 | |
| DANCE HERO (AUS) 5G DANZERO (AUS) – GYPSY DANCER (NZ) DANCE OF LIFE (USA) |
C MUNCE | 55.0 | MS G WATERHOUSE | 12 | |
| GLAMOUR PUSS (NZ) 5M TALE OF THE CAT (USA) – ESCADA (NZ) CENTAINE (AUS) |
STEVEN KING | 55.0 | DANNY O’BRIEN | 1 |
Champions Sprint Betting Info
Champions Sprint betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 spring race down the famous Flemington “Straight Six” track, formerly known as the VRC Sprint Classic, at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Champions Sprint betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Champions Sprint odds online.
All-In Champions Sprint betting markets are then available following the official Champions Sprint nominations taken the Monday of race week.
Betting on the Champions Sprint field is then available following final acceptances which close on the Wednesday of race week.
Betting on the Champions Sprint often favours the season’s best Manikato Stakes graduates who have a great Champions Sprint record, plus the Sydney raiders who have a strong strike-rate over their local Victorian counterparts in the Melbourne Cup Carnival showdown.
Champions Sprint race betting traditionally focuses on the Australian-trained sprinters with the majority having already run top three in a previous spring Group 1 race.
For the best online betting on the Champions Sprint, consider tipping a horse to win both the Champions Sprint and another Group 1 race over the carnival in a spring double!
Champions Sprint Field
The Champions Sprint field attracts a line-up of top-line horses each season with runners coming from mainly local Sydney and Melbourne stables.
Champions Sprint Acceptance Dates
It is crucial to take note of when the Champions Sprint field is out, what time Champions Sprint nominations close and the official Champions Sprint acceptance dates when placing a Champions Sprint bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.
See below for the official Champions Sprint field dates for 2025.
- 2025 Champions Sprint Nominations: Close on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00pm (Melbourne time).
- 2025 Champions Sprint Final Field: Revealed on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 9:30am (Melbourne time).
- 2025 Champions Sprint Barrier Draw: Conducted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Where can you bet on the Champions Sprint?
The best place to bet on this year’s Champions Sprint race is through the TAB NZ online.
Champions Sprint Odds
Champions Sprint odds and online betting tips on the Champions Sprint are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the four and five-year-old runners who have a great recent record and graduates out of earlier spring sprints like The Everest in Sydney.
Where can I find the Champions Sprint odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Champions Sprint, TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.
How to Place a Bet on the Champions Sprint Race
Want to know how to make a bet on the Champions Sprint? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Champions Sprint betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Champions Sprint online.
You can place a Champions Sprint bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Champions Sprint.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Champions Sprint is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Champions Sprint race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the spring carnival at Flemington Racecourse, the Champions Sprint has it all!
This important spring race showcases Australia’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as the action of the Melbourne Cup Carnival comes to a close.
How to Bet on the Champions Sprint in 2025?
1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.
2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.
3. Check out the Champions Sprint betting guide, Champions Sprint form guide and our expert Champions Sprint tips.
4. Choose a Champions Sprint bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Champions Sprint Trifecta. There are many more Champions Sprint betting options available so make sure to check out our Champions Sprint betting markets.
5. Select the Champions Sprint horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Champions Sprint nominations or Champions Sprint field.
What are the popular betting markets for the Champions Sprint?
When it comes to betting on the Champions Sprint, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:
Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.
Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.
Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.
What makes betting on the Champions Sprint so popular?
The fact that the Champions Sprint is one of the final Group 1 Melbourne races run during the festival and one of the key races at the Melbourne Cup Carnival make it a must watch and must bet on horse racing event.
As the final Group 1 sprint of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, it consistently attracts the best short-distance horses from both Australia and overseas.
The Everest Form Line: The rise of Sydney’s multi-million-dollar The Everest has made the Champions Sprint even more compelling. Many of the nation’s top sprinters compete in The Everest and then back up in the Champions Sprint, making it a crucial follow-up race. This direct form line provides punters with an excellent guide to the horses’ current condition and class.
Star-Studded Fields: The race has been won by some of Australia’s greatest sprinters, including Black Caviar, Nature Strip, and Giga Kick. The weight-for-age conditions mean the best horses race on an even scale, guaranteeing a high-quality contest where the best sprinter on the day is crowned. This attracts a lot of betting interest from both casual fans and serious punters.
The Flemington “Straight Six”: The race is run over 1200m down Flemington’s famous straight track, a unique layout that minimises interference and often results in a pure test of speed and stamina. This makes it a great betting race, as barriers are less of a factor and every horse gets a clear shot at victory, giving punters more confidence in their selections.
What makes the Champions Sprint so special?
The Champions Sprint field is almost exclusively comprised of Group 1 winners or horses very close to that level, the race consistently drawing a star-studded line-up.
Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the thrilling 1200m spring event every season to see if their bets on the Champions Sprint race won!
The Champions Sprint currently offers A$3,000,000 in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners from across the country and further abroad keen to add their names to the list of VRC Champions Sprint champions.
How many horses can run in the Champions Sprint?
The Champions Sprint field has a 16-starter limit plus emergencies with final acceptances announced the Wednesday of race week.
Champions Sprint race tips centre on proven stars that have good lead-up form in events like The Everest, horses with previous experience at the Flemington track, and confirmed Group 1 stars.
The Champions Sprint is a weight-for-age race meaning the older a horse is the more weight they will carry.
How many mares have won the Champions Sprint in recent years?
Since the year 2000, eight mares have won the Champions Sprint including three straight from 2022 to 2024 with Roch ‘N’ Horse (2022), Imperatriz (2023) and Sunshine In Paris (2024).
What age group has the best recent Champions Sprint record?
Five-year-olds have dominated the Champions Sprint results in recent years with 13 saluting between 2000 and 2024, most recently Sunshine In Paris (2024).
The oldest recent Champions Sprint winner was Nature Strip (2021) who won as a seven-year-old.
The youngest recent Champions Sprint winner was Pharein (1999) who was the last three-year-old to win.
Between 2000 and 2024 the breakdown of Champions Sprint winners by age (in Australia) is as follows:
- 3YOS – 0
- 4YOs – 5 (latest Bivouac in 2020)
- 5YOs – 13 (latest Sunshine In Paris in 2024)
- 6YOs – 5 (latest Roch ‘N’ Horse in 2022)
- 7YOs – 2 (latest Nature Strip in 2021)
Champions Sprint Prize Money
The Champions Sprint prize money may not compare to the stakes on offer in events like the A$20 million The Everest and A$10 million The Golden Eagle which are both held in Sydney over the spring, but it remains a highlight of the Australian racing calendar.
The Champions Sprint prize money is set at A$3,000,000 in total stakes allocated between first to eighth place.
How much does the Champions Sprint winner get? The winning Champions Sprint horse receives a total of A$1,800,000 in prize money.
See below for the official breakdown of Champions Sprint prizes on offer from the Champions Sprint winner to the eighth horse to cross the finish line in the official Champions Sprint results.
- First: A$1,800,000
- Second: A$540,000
- Third: A$270,000
- Fourth: A$135,000
- Fifth: A$75,000
- Sixth – Eighth: A$60,000
How many international horses have won the Champions Sprint?
None. To date, no internationally trained horse has won the Champions Sprint with the European gallopers more suited to longer distance races than the sprints in Australia.
How many horses have won the Champions Sprint more than once?
Four horses have won multiple editions of the Champions Sprint, most recently Nature Strip (2019 & 2021).
Multiple Champions Sprint winners: River Rough (1983-84), Planet Ruler (1989-90), Black Caviar (2010-11), Nature Strip (2019 & 2021).
What races will runners out of the Champions Sprint target next?
Following a run in the Champions Sprint many horses head to the paddock for a spell. If not being sent for a break, there’s a potential for runners to head over to Western Australia for a run in Ascot’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at the end of November.
Buffering (2013) was the last horse to complete the Champions Sprint – Winterbottom Stakes double.
Champions Sprint Barriers
The Champions Sprint barrier draw and allocated Champions Sprint gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
When is the Champions Sprint barrier draw?
The Champions Sprint barrier draw is conducted on the same day as final acceptances close which is the Wednesday of race week around 9:30am local Melbourne time.
What is the most successful recent Champions Sprint barrier draw?
Barrier 6 has produced five Champions Sprint winners between 2000 and 2024, most recently Roch ‘N’ Horse (2022).
Barrier 12 is the widest gate to produce a Champions Sprint winner between 2000 and 2024, most recently Dance Hero (2006).
Barrier 9 is the latest Champions Sprint winning barrier with Sunshine In Paris in 2024.
Breakdown of winning Champions Sprint barriers between 2000-24:
- Barrier 1 – 3 (latest Buffering in 2013)
- Barrier 2 – 2 (latest Nature Strip in 2021)
- Barrier 3 – 1 (latest Rubitano in 2002)
- Barrier 4 – 2 (latest Black Caviar in 2011)
- Barrier 5 – 1 (latest Santa Ana Lane in 2018)
- Barrier 6 – 5 (latest Roch ‘N’ Horse in 2022)
- Barrier 7 – 2 (latest All Silent in 2009)
- Barrier 8 – 2 (latest Imperatriz in 2023)
- Barrier 9 – 3 (latest Sunshine In Paris in 2024)
- Barrier 10 – 2 (latest Mental in 2012)
- Barrier 11 – 1 (latest Malaguerra in 2016)
- Barrier 12 – 1 (latest Dance Hero in 2006)
Champions Sprint Form
We offer a complete Champions Sprint form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Champions Sprint field in addition to insider Champions Sprint racing tips and betting odds.
Our Champions Sprint form guides include:
- Champions Sprint race preview and predictions
- Racing analysis on the event and runners
- Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
- Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
- Runner commentary
Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in the Champions Sprint or you are an expert Champions Sprint tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Champions Sprint.
How to Read the Champions Sprint Guide
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to interpret a horse’s form and performance indicators when looking at this year’s Champions Sprint form guide:
Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.
Recent Performances: Review the horse’s last few races, focusing on finish positions and the quality of competition faced.
Track and Distance Records: Check the horse’s performance on similar track conditions and distances to gauge suitability.
Jockey and Trainer Stats: Consider the success rates of the jockey and trainer combination, particularly in the Champions Sprint race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Champions Sprint as this can impact performance.
Champions Sprint Results
The Champions Sprint results are known when the event takes place on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup race in early November.
You can bet on the Champions Sprint race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Champions Sprint markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Champions Sprint results entails picking the Champions Sprint winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Champions Sprint field with our Champions Sprint tips and form guide.
Other Champions Sprint race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Champions Sprint finishing order shows what position every horse in the field ran.
Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in the Champions Sprint results!
Champions Sprint exotic results show how all the exotic Champions Sprint bet types resulted like the Champions Sprint Quinella, Champions Sprint Exacta, Champions Sprint Trifecta, and Champions Sprint First Four.
Champions Sprint Jockeys
Securing a ride in the VRC Champions Sprint field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around Australia and New Zealand. Winning this important spring race is a nice campaign goal for many of Australasia’s top riders looking to secure a Group 1 trophy during the carnival.
What jockeys are riding in the Champions Sprint field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Champions Sprint jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
James McDonald is the latest Champions Sprint winning jockey having ridden Sunshine In Paris to victory in 2024.
Who are the most successful recent Champions Stakes jockeys? Since the year 2000, James McDonald is the most successful Champions Sprint jockey in recent history with four victories aboard Delectation (2015), Nature Strip (2019 & 2021), and Sunshine In Paris (2024).
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the Champions Sprint horses this spring.
Champions Sprint Trainers
Since the year 2000, is the most successful Champions Sprint winning trainers having prepared three winners each are Chris Waller with Delectation (2015) and Nature Strip (2019 & 2021); and Peter Moody with Black Caviar (2010 & 2011) and Ancient Song (2003).
Peter Moody with dual champion Black Caviar (2010 and 2011) is the latest back-to-back Champions Sprint winning trainer.
Annabel & Rob Archibald are the latest Champions Sprint winning trainers having prepared Sunshine In Paris in 2024.
Champions Sprint Winners
Notable Champions Sprint winners throughout history include:
Vain (1969): Vain was one of Australia’s greatest juveniles and sprinters. His win in the then Craven ‘A’ Stakes (now Champions Sprint) capped off a dominant career where he won 12 of 14 starts. His blistering speed and charisma made him a fan favourite and a foundational sire in Australian breeding.
Maybe Mahal (1976): Maybe Mahal was a champion mare who won the race during its Pure-Pak Stakes era. She was named Australian Horse of the Year in 1978 and was known for her toughness and ability to beat the boys in major sprints.
Takeover Target (2004): Takeover Target’s win in the VRC Sprint Classic was part of a remarkable journey from obscurity to international stardom. Purchased for just $1,250, he went on to win Group 1 races in Australia, the UK, Japan, and Singapore, becoming a global ambassador for Aussie racing.
Miss Andretti (2007): Miss Andretti won the race in dominant fashion and later claimed the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, setting a track record. She was named Australian Horse of the Year and became a symbol of speed and international success.
Black Caviar (2010 & 2011): Black Caviar won the race twice, including her first Group 1 victory in 2010. She retired unbeaten in 25 starts, becoming a national treasure and one of the most celebrated racehorses in the world. Her explosive acceleration and flawless record captivated fans globally. The autumn’s Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning race is named in her honour.
Buffering (2013): Buffering’s win in the VRC Sprint Classic was a breakthrough after multiple Group 1 placings. He went on to win seven Group 1s and became one of the most durable and beloved sprinters in Australian racing history.
Santa Ana Lane (2018): Santa Ana Lane’s win was part of a golden run that included victories in the Stradbroke Handicap, The Goodwood, and TJ Smith Stakes. His ability to peak in big races made him a top-tier sprinter and a fan favourite.
Nature Strip (2019 & 2021): Nature Strip won the Champions Sprint twice and later claimed the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Known for his raw speed and front-running style, he was crowned World’s Best Sprinter and won multiple Group 1s across Australia.
Bivouac (2020): Bivouac’s win in the Champions Sprint was a commanding performance, defeating Nature Strip with ease. He was a dual Group 1 winner and known for his powerful finishes and elite form at Flemington.
Roch ‘N’ Horse (2022): Roch ‘N’ Horse caused a major upset in the 2022 Champions Sprint, backing up her surprise win in the Newmarket Handicap. Her victories highlighted the unpredictable nature of Flemington’s straight track and her affinity for it.
Imperatriz (2023): Imperatriz won her sixth Group 1 in the 2023 Champions Sprint, confirming her status as Australasia’s top sprinting mare. Her ability to adapt to Flemington’s straight course and defeat elite rivals made her a standout performer.
Sunshine In Paris (2024): Sunshine In Paris won the 2024 Champions Sprint in a thrilling finish, becoming the latest mare to conquer Flemington’s premier sprint. Her win added to the race’s tradition of showcasing elite female sprinters and capped off a stellar spring campaign.
Bet on the next Champions Sprint winner with our comprehensive Champions Sprint form guide and expert Champions Sprint tips at the TAB NZ!
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