Yulong confirms that Via Sistina will bypass Melbourne Cup for $3m Champions Stakes
Trainer Chris Waller and owner Yulong Investments have revealed where Cox Plate winner Via Sistina will next line-up.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Yulong has revealed mighty mare Via Sistina will bypass the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and instead be saved for the Champions Stakes (2000m) on the final day of the Flemington carnival.
In making the announcement on Wednesday, Yulong said the decision was made in conjunction with trainer Chris Waller.
Talk of Via Sistina lining up in “the race that stops the nation” had taken on a life of its own following her record breaking romp in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) last Saturday.
READ: Raider ruled out of Melbourne Cup by vets
Such was the dominance of the performance, Via Sistina at one stage had firmed into a $4.50 Melbourne Cup favourite, with many believing her distinct class edge would be enough to see her through the gruelling two-mile journey successfully.
On Tuesday, champion jockey James McDonald endorsed those sentiments, revealing to News Corp that he believed “Via Sistina would get the two-mile trip” and that “she feels every bit as strong at 2000m” as his 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant.
But while the chance to pass up a Melbourne Cup start - and potential win - didn’t prove any easy one, the allure of Saturday week’s $3 million Champions Stakes, staged over her pet distance of 2000m, ultimately proved the more enticing proposition for a variety of reasons.
News that Via Sistina would tackle the Champions Stakes at Flemington saw her price firm from $2.20 earlier in the week to $1.70.
Her withdrawal from Melbourne Cup markets sees stablemate Buckaroo sit atop of betting alone at $6 with Ladbrokes.
The Melbourne Cup market was turned on its head further on Tuesday with unbeaten import Jan Brueghel, second favourite for the race, withdrawn by Racing Victoria (RV) on veterinary advice.
Originally published as Yulong confirms that Via Sistina will bypass Melbourne Cup for $3m Champions Stakes
Perfect four for Coffey ends ‘lean patch’
Harry Coffey had a perfect day in the saddle at Caulfield with four wins from as many rides to break a self-described lean run.
Striking colt grabs Attention for Guineas tilt
Public Attention announced himself as a Group 1 Randwick Guineas contender with an impressive return win in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick.