Runner-by-runner analysis for the $3m Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington

News Corp racing writer Gilbert Gardiner casts an eye over the $3m Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington on Saturday.

Nature Strip has won the race twice the past three years. Picture: Michael Klein

News Corp form analyst Gilbert Gardiner looks at the chances of every runner in Saturday’s $3m Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington.

1. NATURE STRIP (12) – $2.10

Trainer: Chris Waller

Jockey: James McDonald 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Revenge is a dish best served cold. Missed out on the prizemoney in The Everest but will get his third Group 1 VRC Sprint in four years.

2. MASKED CRUSADER (11) – $34

Trainer: Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes

Jockey: Damien Thornton 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Gone nine races without success dating back 12 months after winning seven of first 15 starts. Likes the soft ground but yet to trouble the scorer in two trips to Flemington.

3. THE INFERNO (1) – $126

Trainer: Cliff Brown

Jockey: John Allen 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Wet spring has been costly for the electric backmarker. Needs dry ground to be effective.

4. ROTHFIRE (8) – $34

Trainer: Rob Heathcote

Jockey: Luke Nolen 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Gallant in defeat in the Manikato Stakes but not sure he can make up five lengths on Bella Nipotina. First time at Flemington but Luke Nolen knows how his way down the straight.

5. PAULELE (9) – $19

Trainer: James Cummings

Jockey: Brenton Avdulla 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Talented yes, but is he trustworthy? Two lacklustre runs at The Valley either side of a smart Caulfield win. Blinkers on but suspect Queensland next winter his best chance at Group 1.

6. FRONT PAGE (3) – $31

Trainer: Geoff Duryea

Jockey: Ben Melham 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Popular winner of the Kosciuszko last start and proven down the straight but will find this lot a different gravy.

7. THE ASTROLOGIST (10) – $81

Trainer: Leon and Troy Corstens

Jockey: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Genuine sprinter a shade or three off the real topliners. Will be around the mark again. Sneaky top five chance?

8. BALLER (5) – $41

Trainer: Tony Gollan

Jockey: Mark Zahra 58.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Won and placed third in past two starts at Flemington. Will need to go up another notch but not impossible.

Bella Nipotina walloped her opposition in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes last start. Picture: Racing Photos

9. BELLA NIPOTINA (4) – $5

Trainers: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

Jockey: Jamie Kah 56.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: The fiery red head bolted in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes and no reason why she cannot win again. Gone to another level this time in. Biggest threat to Nature Strip.

10. SEPTEMBER RUN (13) – $34

Trainer: Chris Waller

Jockey: Damien Oliver 56.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Ready to peak third-up? Too heavy for her last start at The Valley but a definite rebound contender, having won three of eight starts at Flemington.

11. ROCH ‘N’ HORSE (6) – $26

Trainer: Michael Moroney

Jockey: Jamie Mott 56.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Found one better the past two starts at Flemington and could do so again in a much deeper race. Top five shout.

12. LEVANTE (14) – $23

Trainer: Ken and Bev Kelso

Jockey: Michael Dee 56.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Talented Kiwi resumes after eight-month break. Perfect record (3-3) first-up and handled the Flemington straight last March, having run fourth in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.

13. ARGENTIA (15) – $34

Trainer: Anthony and Sam Freedman

Jockey: Tim Clark 56.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Thrown in the deep end after winning last Saturday. Respect the form but mindful she could be better placed in this company next campaign.

Giga Kick triumphed last stat in The Everest. Picture: AFP

14. GIGA KICK (7) – $5

Trainer: Clayton Douglas

Jockey: Craig Williams 53.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Stunned Nature Strip and company to win The Everest fair and square. Back in more familiar surrounds and horse to beat outside the favourite.

15. LOFTY STRIKE (2) – $41

Trainer: Julius Sandhu

Jockey: Craig Newitt 53.5kg

GILBERT SAYS: Could find a length or two with blinkers on for the first time. A super effort last Saturday to run fourth in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes. First go against the older horses a query.

GILBERT’S TIPS

1. NATURE STRIP

2. BELLA NIPOTINA

3. GIGA KICK

4. LEVANTE

Originally published as Runner-by-runner analysis for the $3m Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington