Horse Racing Tips for Spring Champion Stakes 2024

There's always something intriguing when the three-year-olds face off over the 2000m at set weights.

While these races don’t always have the deepest fields, the winner is often a standout, potentially marking themselves as a generational player.

This year, four horses dominate early betting, and we could see a real tactical battle mid-race once positions are found.

 

One of the main stories is about gelding Swiftfalcon whose career is all about the race track, not the breeding barn.

After a head-scratching ride in the Group 3 Gloaming a fortnight ago, this is a must-win race for him.

He’s got the standout final 400m split, but the key question is, 'can he get the right "toe" into the finish and chase down the flying colt El Castello?'

 

 

Spring Champion Stakes 2024 Tips and Best Bets

Track Conditions

While there were some showers on Thursday, Friday is expected to clear.

The meeting should kick off on a Good 4, perhaps leaning slightly towards the softer side.

Who do the All-In Boys like in Spring Champion Stakes

 

The Speed Map

This race looks straightforward from a pace perspective.

Harlem Queen and the longshot Noises are expected to roll forward, with Noises likely to take the lead from a wide barrier.

El Castello and Firm Agreement are also drawn wide and will work forward, aiming to settle just behind the early leaders.

Country galloper Due Calzini and Rag Queen should find spots just ahead of midfield.

Henlein ($4.80), third in betting, will likely settle closer than he did in the Gloaming, midfield on the fence, with Flying Argento and Duvana tucked behind them.

Meanwhile, Swiftfalcon is expected to drop out towards the rear from his outside gate.

 

The Favourite

El Castello ($3.40) comes in chasing a fourth consecutive win this prep and opened as the narrow favourite, but Swiftfalcon ($3.70) is expected to challenge him for that spot.

Swiftfalcon's chances hinge on finding a good trail mid-race and should he get it, he becomes the clear one to beat.

His sprinting pedigree adds to his allure in this field.

 

 

Neil's Best Bet

This race sets up perfectly for Swiftfalcon, who is by Victoria Derby winner Exceedance.

His win in the Listed Dulcify over a mile was arrogantly dominant, and now, with most of these horses trying 2000m for the first time, it feels like his race to lose.

As long as jockey Jay Ford starts rolling forward past the 650m mark, he can take the prize.

 

The Dangers

El Castello, the Gloaming winner, is naturally a threat, but he may be slightly under the odds.

The real value lies with Firm Agreement ($21.00), who looks set to handle the 2000m distance well and could spring a surprise.

 

Neil's Top Four

1. Swiftfalcon
2. Firm Agreement
3. El Castello
4. Henlein

 

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