Via Sistina proves she’s the new queen of the turf with Group 1 Champions Stakes victory at Flemington

Cox Plate champion Via Sistina confirmed her status as Australia’s best racehorse with a breathtaking win in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington.

Champion is a title befitting Via Sistina.

If not now, or yet, certainly in time.

Her record demands such respect.

Five wins from seven starts in Australia – all Group 1s – including the Cox Plate demolition by eight lengths in track record time – two seconds faster than Winx’s mark.

Unprecedented.

The new queen of Australian turf, trained by Chris Waller, proved her might with an arrogant Champions Stakes (2000m) triumph at Flemington on Saturday.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

“It was very special,” Waller said.

“Winning the Cox Plate the way she did, I think caught everyone by surprise.

“And then the pressure to back her up and go one more run.

“We spoke about sport analogies and having another game after a grand final and we were thinking about it constantly.

“But she’s a very, very special horse … don’t underestimate how hard these horses work, so we could see that.

“We just backed off in the last two weeks and gave her a good time, and it worked.”

Via Sistina returned $1.60 with Ladbrokes.

WOW! The superstar of Australian racing Via Sistina dominates the $3 million Group 1 TAB Champions Stakes. JMac with a perfect 10 ⭐

🎥 @wwos | #StakesDay | #MelbCupCarnivalpic.twitter.com/wd6nRG1qhA

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 9, 2024

• What the jockeys said: 2024 Champions Stakes

The six-year-old mare has earned a well-deserved break before attention turns to 2025.

“I’ll talk to (Yulong owner) Mr. Zhang and his family and, wherever she goes, it’s a bonus really, with what she’s done this year,” Waller said.

“Give her a spell now and, I guess, look at a Queen Elizabeth.”

Via Sistina settled well back in the field under a supremely confident James McDonald.

She spotted the lead eight lengths approaching the home bend.

Five on straightening.

And won by 2¾ lengths with McDonald standing in the irons to salute a pulsating crowd of 62,022.

James McDonald looks over his shoulder as Via Sistina leaves the Champions Stakes field in her wake. Picture: Michael Klein

“Everything just went beautifully to plan,” McDonald said.

“I had the horse to really give me a smooth ride.

“600m, 400m, I was just like changing gears and she just went.

“She was never in doubt. The nice building pace suited her.

“She just keeps going to a new level … today was an absolute joy and pleasure.

“I had so much fun on her. Her performance speaks for itself.”

Stablemate Atishu charged into second place with comeback stayer, 2023 Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight running into third and booking a ticket to Hong Kong.

Via Sistina and Atishu combined for Waller’s 28th Group 1 quinella.

“Atishu, she was brave,” Waller said.

“She won the race last year and I feel for her, but she got a Group 1 last Saturday.

“They can chat tonight, they’re actually right next to each other in their stables.”

McDonald celebrates as he returns to the mounting yard. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Trainer Anthony Freedman welcomed Without A Fight’s performance.

“We thought that’s how he’d run, just felt the pinch late,” Freedman said.

“Brutally run 2000m, we knew that was the case and you need that race fitness to get closer.

“Mark (Zahra) said he felt great, his determination is still there and he’ll run very well in Hong Kong I would’ve thought.

“Obviously the next few days tells all the story, come Tuesday and Wednesday, if things are good, then relax and move on to Hong Kong.”

Without A Fight is entered for the Hong Kong Vase (2400m) on December 8.

Originally published as Via Sistina proves she’s the new queen of the turf with Group 1 Champions Stakes victory at Flemington