Horse Racing Tips for the Champions Sprint 2025

What a week it has been and what a day to bring the curtain down on another unforgettable Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The VRC Champions Sprint kicks off a stacked Champions Day program featuring three Group 1 contests and it promises to be an absolute cracker.

Coolmore Stud Stakes hero Tentyris headlines the field and currently holds favouritism after his explosive Derby Day victory.

The Godolphin colt now chases history, looking to become the first ever three-year-old to win the Coolmore/Champions Sprint double.

But standing in his way are some of the most seasoned weight-for-age sprinters in the land, Joliestar and Giga Kick.

I went against Tentyris in the Coolmore and paid the price.

But I’m doubling down, I’m taking him on again.

You can access my full set of racing tips for this Saturday via the link below.

 

 

Cody Lane’s Champions Sprint 2025 Preview

Track Conditions

The track raced as a Good 3 on Oaks Day, but with rain forecast across Friday and Saturday, we’re likely to see conditions slide into the Soft 6 or Soft 7 range.

The rail moves out to 6m, which should see runners shift towards the centre and outside lanes in the straight.

 

 

Speed Map & Race Shape

Not a heap of natural speed here. Expect Tropicus (6) and Caballus (9) to roll forward and control the tempo.

Magic Time (5) could settle just behind them, while the big three Tentyris (3), Giga Kick (4) and Joliestar (7) will all be ridden cold, biding their time for a late burst down the middle.

It shapes as a moderate tempo that gives every horse its chance to win.

 

Stats You Can’t Miss

• No 3YO has won this race since 1999

• No horse has ever completed the Coolmore/Champions Sprint double

• A mare or gelding has won 19 of the last 20 editions

• Over the past 15 years, barriers 6 and 9 have been the most successful

• Favourites have saluted four of the last eight years

• Since 2020, no winner has come from outside the top two in their previous start

• Six of the last eight winners have come from Everest form lines

 

Selections & Analysis

1st – #6 Joliestar ($3.20)

If the track stays in the Soft 5 or better range, she’s the one I want to be with.

Her win in The Shorts rated through the roof and she wasn’t disgraced in The Everest finishing fifth behind Ka Ying Rising.

Six of the last eight winners of this race have come out of The Everest and she’s the only runner here with that formline.

She also loves the Flemington straight, having stormed home to win the Newmarket in the autumn.

If she gets her conditions, she’s the mare to beat.

 

 

2nd – #1 Giga Kick ($5.00)

If the rain hits hard and the track gets to a Soft 6 or worse, he becomes my top pick.

Loved his return win in the Schillaci Stakes.

He looked back to his brilliant best, storming from last to first.

His sectionals suggested he’d have been right in the Everest mix and second-up here, he’s ready to explode.

A proven wet tracker who thrives at Flemington.

 

 

3rd – #7 Magic Time ($17.00)

Don’t sleep on her at double-figure odds.

Her Everest prep was excellent, winning the Cockram and finishing third in the Manikato.

She’s much better suited on soft going and her tactical versatility means she’ll be right in the mix when they straighten.

Genuine each-way chance.

 

4th – #10 Tentyris ($2.70)

The Coolmore winner was brilliant last weekend, but he has to defy some serious historical hurdles.

No 3YO has won this race since the last century, and his stable have already voiced concerns about him on wet ground.

He’s got the talent, no doubt — but the conditions, quick back-up, and history make him a risky favourite.

 

 

Cody’s Top Four

1. Joliestar

2. Giga Kick

3. Magic Time

4. Tentyris

 

For thousands more tips including free selections for today's racing, head to Australia's best racing tips market at thegreattipoff.com.