{"id":33638,"date":"2026-10-24T23:19:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T10:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?post_type=betting-info&p=33638"},"modified":"2026-10-29T00:04:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T11:04:01","slug":"vrc-champions-stakes","status":"publish","type":"betting-info","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/betting-info\/vrc-champions-stakes\/","title":{"rendered":"VRC Champions Stakes 2026 Odds, Betting & Race Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 2026 VRC Champions Stakes runs at Flemington on Saturday, November 7, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The VRC Champions Stakes is a Group 1 held on the final day of Melbourne Cup Week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s one of the best WFA races on the Australian Racing calendar, and it has been won by the likes of Via Sistina, Zaaki, So You Think, and Lonhro. The 2000m distance suits milers and stayers, and it\u2019s a great way to cap off a big week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the latest VRC Champions Stakes odds<\/strong><\/a>, form information, and betting insights, TAB provides the key details punters need to assess the field and make winning predictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 VRC Champions Stakes Odds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned for the latest VRC Champions Stakes odds 2026 and betting markets, including all-in and final field betting.<\/p>\n\n\n

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VRC Champions Stakes Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our VRC Champions Stakes tips will be published in the lead-up to the Group 1 feature, providing punters with expert analysis, betting predictions, and our best bets for one of the biggest races of the spring carnival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Champions Stakes is always a competitive betting race, with a wide range of form lines converging on the 2000m weight-for-age contest. The distance attracts proven middle-distance performers as well as quality milers looking to stretch out, creating plenty of depth and intrigue in the market. With superstar gallopers regularly lining up, it\u2019s a prestigious race that connections are always keen to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the final field is confirmed on the Wednesday before the race, our horse racing experts will assess the latest VRC Champions Stakes 2026 odds, so check out our VRC Champions Stakes betting guide for the latest picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 VRC Champions Stakes Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our 2026 VRC Champions Stakes tips will be published when the final field is released, but punters can bet into all-in markets, which are typically available earlier in the week when nominations are released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 Champions Stakes could be a re-run of the Cox Plate. Many of the Cox Plate contenders are expected to line up this year, including Sir Delius, Aeliana, Birdman, and Cosmic Crusader. That makes it a tough betting contest, and also included in the nominations are Sheza Alibi and Pride of Jenni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We expect some of the numbers to fall away, as this race comes at the end of many runners\u2019 campaigns. However, the field never disappoints, and we\u2019re hoping for ideal weather to grace Flemington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more in-depth VRC Champions Stakes tips, be sure to check out our race preview before the race, which is available at Betcha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VRC Champions Stakes Race Info<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Track: Flemington, Melbourne, VIC<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Distance: 2000m<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Conditions: Weight-for-age<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Status: Group 1<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Prize Money: $3 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • First Run: 1869<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Current Champion: Via Sistina<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    2026 VRC Champions Stakes Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    VRC Champions Stakes 2026 results and full finishing order will be published after the race is run on Saturday, November 7.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    VRC Champions Stakes Betting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Champions Stakes has generally favoured well-backed runners in recent years, with the last seven winners all returning single-figure odds. Via Sistina dominated the market in her back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025, starting at $1.80 and $1.60, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other short-priced winners include Zaaki at $2.25, Arcadia Queen at $2.45, and So You Think at $1.60. These fancied runners delivered when it mattered, reinforcing Flemington\u2019s reputation as a happy hunting ground for punters backing the market leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, the Champions Stakes is far from immune to an upset. Four winners in the past 20 years have started at double-figure odds, highlighted by Sirmione\u2019s remarkable $61 victory in 2007. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other roughies, including Side Glance, Awesome Rock, and Trap for Fools, have also defied the market. While favourites have enjoyed plenty of success, the race\u2019s history shows there can still be value among the outsiders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2026 VRC Champions Stakes Field<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The 2026 VRC Champions Stakes field is released on the Wednesday before the race. We will have the updated final field once released by Racing Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    VRC Champions Stakes Barrier Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Over 2000m at Flemington, barrier draws don\u2019t play a huge part. This race is typically run at a sedate pace, so every runner has a chance to find cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Via Sistina won her 2025 race from barrier 10, and she was only the second winner drawn wide in the last 10 years. Most winners draw in the middle of the field, with barriers 5-9 having a good Champions Stakes record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Barrier 5 has three wins in the last 20 years, with the most recent coming in 2023 with Atishu, and it\u2019s an ideal Champions Stakes barrier draw. It allows the jockey to find a good spot in running, so we prefer betting on horses drawn in the middle of the pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    VRC Champions Stakes Form Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are many good form guides for the Champions Stakes, and none more important than the Cox Plate. It\u2019s the best form guide for this race, and it\u2019s even more important in 2026, with the Cox Plate being run at Flemington for the first time. We recommend using that race as a form guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Caulfield Stakes and Turnbull Stakes are also good Group 1 form guides. Following the form out of those races is key, as past Champions Stakes winners don\u2019t often appear out of lesser-graded races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2026 VRC Champions Stakes Form Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Our form analysts will have a 2026 VRC Champions Stakes form guide available during the week of the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recent VRC Champions Stakes Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Year<\/th>Winner<\/th>Runner-Up<\/th>Third<\/th>Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    2026<\/td>TBD<\/td>TBD<\/td>TBD<\/td>TBD<\/td><\/tr>
    2025<\/td>Via Sistina<\/td>Zambardo<\/td>Tom Kitten<\/td>2:07.91<\/td><\/tr>
    2024<\/td>Via Sistina<\/td>Atishu<\/td>Without a Fight<\/td>2:01.86<\/td><\/tr>
    2023<\/td>Atishu<\/td>Duais<\/td>Young Werther<\/td>2:02.01<\/td><\/tr>
    2022<\/td>Zaaki<\/td>Mo\u2019unga<\/td>Hezashocka<\/td>2:02.0<\/td><\/tr>
    2021<\/td>Zaaki<\/td>Cascadian<\/td>Mo\u2019unga<\/td>2:02.9<\/td><\/tr>
    2020<\/td>Arcadia Queen<\/td>Fifty Stars<\/td>Melody Belle<\/td>2:03.5<\/td><\/tr>
    2019<\/td>Magic Wand<\/td>Melody Belle<\/td>Hartnell<\/td>2:01.8<\/td><\/tr>
    2018<\/td>Trap for Fools<\/td>Latrobe<\/td>Extra Brut<\/td>2:02.3<\/td><\/tr>
    2017<\/td>Tosen Stardom<\/td>Happy Clapper<\/td>It\u2019s Somewhat<\/td>2:01.2<\/td><\/tr>
    2016<\/td>Awesome Rock<\/td>Hauraki<\/td>Seaburge<\/td>2:02.4<\/td><\/tr>
    2015<\/td>Gailo Chop<\/td>Rising Romance<\/td>Contributer<\/td>2:03.5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    VRC Champions Stakes FAQs<\/h3>\n
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    How do I bet on the 2026 VRC Champions Stakes?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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    Bet online or via the latest iOS\/Android apps with TAB. The first step is to create an account at Betcha. The process is quick and easy! Once you\u2019ve created your account, you can make a deposit. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    Which horse will win the 2026 VRC Champions Stakes?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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    We have the latest VRC Champions Stakes tips at the TAB. Check out our form guide for all the latest info, betting guide, and latest race tips.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    When is the VRC Champions Stakes 2026?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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    The 2026 VRC Champions Stakes is set to run at Flemington on Saturday, November 7, and it\u2019s a must-see Group 1 contest.<\/p>\n

    What is the prize money for the VRC Champions Stakes 2026?
    \nThe 2026 VRC Champions Stakes prize money is set at $3 million.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    Where is the VRC Champions Stakes 2026?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    The 2026 VRC Champions Stakes will run at Flemington in Melbourne, Victoria.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    What distance is the VRC Champions Stakes run over?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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    The VRC Champions Stakes is run over 2000 metres, and it\u2019s one of the biggest WFA races in Australia.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    How many horses run in the VRC Champions Stakes?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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    The VRC Champions Stakes has a maximum of 16 runners + emergencies.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    Who won the 2025 VRC Champions Stakes?<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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    The 2025 VRC Champions Stakes was won by Via Sistina for trainer Chris Waller and ridden by James McDonald.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n