In a spectacular display of racing prowess, champion mare Via Sistina has cemented her status as one of Australia's finest thoroughbreds with a commanding victory in Saturday's Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington.
A Champion's Dominant Performance
The $1.85 favourite delivered exactly what punters expected, storming to victory in the 2000-metre feature race in what is likely to be her farewell appearance from Melbourne racing. Under the expert guidance of jockey James McDonald, Via Sistina secured her 12th Group 1 success with a performance that showcased both her class and stamina.
McDonald settled the eight-year-old mare second last in the early stages before beginning his move at the halfway point. Racing deep but with cover, Via Sistina made smooth progress around the bend, positioning herself within two lengths of the leaders while still under a firm hold.
The Winning Move
When shaken up at the 400-metre mark, the response was immediate and powerful. Via Sistina surged to the front and quickly established a clear lead, extending her advantage all the way to the finish line. Her winning margin of almost three lengths over Zambardo ($14) demonstrated the sheer dominance of her performance.
Zambardo, an eight-start newcomer, ran exceptionally well to claim second position, while Via Sistina's stablemate Ceolwulf completed a successful day for trainer Chris Waller.
Retirement Decisions Loom
With retirement now beckoning for the aging mare, Waller indicated he would follow the same careful approach he took with legendary mare Winx. "I'll do the same thing I did with Winx and that's go and see her in three or four weeks time," Waller revealed.
He elaborated on his decision-making process: "At this stage of Winx's career, we would give her full physical examinations. If she's bouncing around the paddock in three or four weeks time, it will be full steam ahead. Any sign that she's ready to finish, she'll finish."
Waller praised Via Sistina's resilience throughout the spring campaign, noting she had been in work for six months and had shown bravery since her first run back on a heavy track in the Winx Stakes.
Sprint Champion Returns
The Champions Day meeting also saw Giga Kick ($5.50) return to the Group 1 winners' list with a thrilling victory in the Champions Sprint over 1200 metres. The six-year-old engaged in a fierce battle with Magic Time ($11), briefly surrendering the lead deep in the final furlong before fighting back under Mark Zahra's vigorous riding to score by a head.
This victory positions Giga Kick for a potential campaign at Ascot's Pinnacles carnival, where he now shares $3.50 joint favouritism with Mr Brightside for the Gold Rush over 1400 metres.
Via Sistina's performance adds another chapter to her remarkable career, potentially closing her Melbourne campaign on the highest possible note while leaving racing fans with memories of a truly exceptional competitor.
