Brad Davidson Horse Racing Tips for Champion Stakes 8/11/25

The curtain closes on another incredible Melbourne Cup Carnival this Saturday with the Champions Stakes, one of three Group 1 features on the program at Flemington.

It’s a weight-for-age classic that often crowns the carnival’s true star, and this year’s edition sees Cox Plate winner Via Sistina line up once again.

The reigning Australian Horse of the Year looking to add another Group 1 trophy to her already glittering record.

There’s no shortage of quality chasing her, though, with Pier stepping up in distance after a slashing King Charles run, and Tom Kitten starting to find his rhythm again this campaign.

Grab Brad's full package for this Saturday, featuring rated runners, top plays, and comments below.

 

Brad Davidson’s Champions Stakes 2025 Preview

 

Flemington R8 – Champions Stakes (2000m)

Overview:

Via Sistina hasn’t quite been at her breathtaking best this preparation, but even below peak she’s proven too classy, digging deep to win the Cox Plate last start.

She draws wide here, but against a field lacking her proven Group 1 weight-for-age power, she looks very hard to beat.

Pier was excellent late in the King Charles III and looks well suited getting out to 2000m, while Tom Kitten continues to improve with each run and already boasts a Flemington Group 1 win to his name.

 

Selections: 10 – 6 – 1 – 2

(10) Via Sistina - Australia’s Horse of the Year and the clear benchmark again.

She wasn’t at her brilliant best in the Cox Plate, but still found a way to win

A testament to her class.

Expect her to improve again here and round out her spring in style.

 

(6) Pier - Loved his run in the King Charles.

He’s a horse on the rise, and stepping up to 2000m looks ideal.

Whether he’s ready to match Via Sistina at weight-for-age is the question, but he’s trending the right way.

 

(1) Tom Kitten – Took a few runs to find his best this prep but showed real improvement last start.

Already a Group 1 winner at Flemington and looks ready to peak.

 

(2) Light Infantry Man – Sound in the Cox Plate and has a history of holding form once he strikes it.

Needs to lift a touch but can run well.

 

Brad’s Top Four:

1. Via Sistina

2. Pier

3. Tom Kitten

4. Light Infantry Man

 

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