The traditional two-year-old season will draw to a close at Randwick on Saturday, with what looms as an open edition of the Group 1 Champagne Stakes.
With the exception of probably only a couple of horses, there is a genuine case to be built for the entire Champagne Stakes field fighting their way into the winner’s stall and a terrific betting contest has materialised.
Champagne Stakes – Winner
No. 1 King’s Legacy – Bet Now: $2.30
King’s Legacy was an impressive winner of the Sires’ at a price a couple of weeks ago and will probably only be better third-up and out to a mile. The Redoute’s Choice colt stamped himself as one to watch north of the border during the summer, winning the Group 3 McLachlan and running fifth in the Magic Millions Classic. He clearly needed the run when he finished down the order in the Slipper when resuming, but he could hardly have been more impressive last time out and I can’t wait to see what he does in this.
Champagne Stakes – 2nd
No. 4 Holyfield – Bet Now: $7.50
Holyfield arrived in Sydney for a tough win in the Group 3 Baillieu three weeks ago and is another horse that looks as though he’ll eat up a mile. The I Am Invincible colt has so far recorded three wins from his four career starts and was extremely luckless on the only other occasion. He’s drawn a peach in 5 with Tom Marquand a huge bonus, while Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace clearly know what they’re doing with the juveniles and this bloke is up to returning the stable yet another Group 1 win.
Champagne Stakes – 3rd
No. 6 Ole Kirk – Bet Now: $4.00
Ole Kirk worked home well to finish fourth in the Sires’ Produce a couple of weeks ago and looks ready to peak in condition fourth-up on Saturday. The well-bred colt won the Talindert down the straight at HQ on debut, filling the minors of the Group 2 VRC Sires’ in what was his only other start prior to a fortnight ago. James McDonald jumps into the saddle and the horse can stalk the early leaders from barrier 8.
Champagne Stakes – 4th
No. 5 Untamed – Bet Now: $11.00
Speaking of tough performances, what Untamed produced in the Fernhill Handicap last weekend was right up there with the toughest of the season and I can’t really find a reason why he won’t be in the finish again this weekend. The Pierro colt hasn’t run a bad race since debut, winning two and finishing second in only three appearances. No horse has completed the Fernhill/Champagne Stakes double since Prized Icon in 2016, but I do think that this horse is capable of it.
Champagne Stakes Suggested Bets
- 2 Units straight out #1 King’s Legacy
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below