Big races › Flemington › Race 8

R8 TAB Champions Stakes 2026 odds

Flemington race 8, Saturday 7 November 2026, 5:10 pm AEDT. Group 1 · Thoroughbreds · 2000m · $3,000,000 · Good 4 · Ocast

Result

1st 5. Birdman
2nd 1. Cosmic Crusader
3rd 3. Sir Delius
4th 10. Aeliana

WIN VIC+5 5 $5.72WIN VIC 5 $5.50PLC VIC 5 $1.40PLC VIC 1 $1.35PLC VIC 3 $2.15

Runner

Model

Best

Trend

Betfair back

TAB

Sportsbet

Ladbrokes

Neds

PointsBet

BetR

Unibet

Palmerbet

Picklebet

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FanDuel

Betfair lay

1. Cosmic Crusader(11) · William Pike · T: Andrea Leek · 59kg · 12x1132141

3.71

3.50Unibet

–

3.40

3.30

–

3.30

3.50

–

3.40

–

Cosmic Crusader

Barrier 11 · Jockey William Pike · Trainer Andrea Leek · 59kg · Form 12x1132141

Model win 3.71 · place 1.59

Ran on strongly to win last start around here. Added confidence with William Pike doing the steering. Racing consistently this prep. Great chance.

Racing well recently. At the latest run settled well back; won by 0.8 len in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m defeating Birdman carrying 59kg at $9.50. The start before that 4th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.4 len behind Kingswood with 56kg at $4.80. Been the benchmark all Spring, no reason he can't win again.

Cox Plate winner who appreciated the fast tempo that day. Also won the Turnbull over this trip here. Hard to toss.

Won the Flemington 2040m G1 by 0.8 lengths last start, adding to a 2000m G1 victory earlier in the preparation; now sixth-up. Proven on good ground and holds strong claims.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
1/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	0.8L
4/18	17 Oct 26	Caulfield	2400m	OPEN	1.4L
1/13	3 Oct 26	Flemington	2000m	OPEN	1.8L
2/8	19 Sept 26	Caulfield	1800m	OPEN	1.8L
3/12	29 Aug 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	3.4L
1/11	15 Aug 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	0.8L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

10. Aeliana(4) · James Mcdonald · T: Chris Waller · 57kg · x2211x0233

4.31

3.80TAB

–

3.80

3.70

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3.60

3.80

3.70

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3.80

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Aeliana

Barrier 4 · Jockey James Mcdonald · Trainer Chris Waller · 57kg · Form x2211x0233

Model win 4.31 · place 1.71

Hit the line well when 3rd last time at this venue. In good racing form since returning from a spell. Jockey James Mcdonald has a high strike rate on board. Should progress and will be close.

Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 1.0 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 57kg at $4.20. The start before that 3rd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 2.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 57kg at $3.80. Had her chance latest but is going well, right in this.

Game placings in the Turnbull and the Cox Plate (flushed out a bit early) read as very good form for this. Strong claims.

Third over 2040m at Flemington last start, completing a third consecutive top-three finish, and now deep into the campaign. Consistent G1 form and a proven staying range make her a major winning hope.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
3/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	1.0L
3/13	3 Oct 26	Flemington	2000m	OPEN	2.8L
2/5	19 Sept 26	Randwick	1600m	OPEN	1.3L
11/11	22 Aug 26	Randwick	1400m	OPEN	10.3L
1/8	28 Mar 26	Rosehill	2400m	OPEN	0.3L
1/5	21 Mar 26	Rosehill	2000m	OPEN	0.3L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

5. Birdman(1) · Ben Melham · T: Chris Waller · 59kg · 11521x6132

5.92

5.00TAB

–

5.00

–

5.00

4.80

–

4.80

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Birdman

Barrier 1 · Jockey Ben Melham · Trainer Chris Waller · 59kg · Form 11521x6132

Model win 5.92 · place 2.05

Picked up late ground when 2nd beaten by 3/4L last time around here and strong form at the trip. Jockey Ben Melham has been successful previously. One of the punters top hopes.

Recent form sound. At the latest run 2nd of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.8 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $11. The race before that 3rd in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Land Legend carrying 59kg at $4.40. Very good last time, if they go steadier he'll be suited.

Two Group 1 runs since the Underwood victory have been full of merit. Once again a leading contender.

Runner-up over 2040m at Flemington last start after a third over 2000m and a win over 1800m, now well into the campaign. The midfield map and consistent top-level form make him the one to beat.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
2/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	0.8L
3/6	10 Oct 26	Caulfield	2000m	OPEN	1.4L
1/8	19 Sept 26	Caulfield	1800m	OPEN	1.8L
6/12	29 Aug 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	4.7L
1/7	23 May 26	Doomben	2000m	OPEN	2.7L
2/10	9 May 26	GoldCoast	1800m	OPEN	0.8L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

3. Sir Delius(7) · Craig Williams · T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott · 59kg · 11x331x446

6.39

5.50Unibet

–

5.00

–

5.00

5.50

–

4.80

–

Sir Delius

Barrier 7 · Jockey Craig Williams · Trainer Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott · 59kg · Form 11x331x446

Model win 6.39 · place 2.14

Was $5.00 and came in 6th last run at the track. Can make a comeback and will be well suited at the trip. Blinkers go on for the first time. Will go close.

Most recently 6th of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 5 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $5. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, in the wet; 3.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $3. Bit disappointing in the Cox Plate, he can improve but is approaching D-Day.

Stable reported that he'd be improved by his Cox Plate run, where he was on pace in a fast-run race. Can hit back hard.

Was sixth over 2040m last start after finishing fourth in the 2000m G1 on heavy ground, and is now deep into the preparation with first-time blinkers. An earlier 2000m G1 win keeps him in contention, but he needs to rebound from the latest margins.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
6/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	5.0L
4/13	3 Oct 26	Flemington	2000m	OPEN	3.5L
4/10	12 Sept 26	Flemington	1600m	OPEN	3.9L
1/7	11 Apr 26	Randwick	2000m	OPEN	2.2L
3/5	21 Mar 26	Rosehill	2000m	OPEN	1.1L
3/9	28 Feb 26	Randwick	1600m	OPEN	3.8L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

9. Omni Man(6) · Dylan Browne Mcmonagle · T: Joseph O'Brien · 59kg · 63x98543x3

17.27

14.00TAB

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14.00

13.00

–

14.00

13.00

14.00

–

13.00

–

Omni Man

Barrier 6 · Jockey Dylan Browne Mcmonagle · Trainer Joseph O'Brien · 59kg · Form 63x98543x3

Model win 17.27 · place 4.19

Was amongst the placegetters when 3rd beaten by 2L last start at Geelong but racing in stronger company. Likely to get back in the run. Has more weight to carry. Can't back with any confidence.

Second-up. First-up after two months 3rd of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 2 len behind Point Of Law carrying 54kg at $15. Previously second-up ran last of 8 in the LR Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown on May 10 over 1609m, 12 len behind Catalina Delcarpio carrying 61kg at $19. Good at local debut but this is too tough.

Was picking up nicely late when placed in the Geelong Cup at local debut. Comes back in trip but will be improved.

Finished third in a Geelong G3 over 2400m last start and is now fourth-up, with the 2000m representing a 400m drop. The latest placing is encouraging, but this stronger grade leaves him an outsider.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
3/13	21 Oct 26	Geelong	2400m	OPEN	2.0L
3/4	16 Aug 26	Curragh	2011m		7.3L
4/7	6 Aug 26	Leopardstown	2414m		2.6L
5/17	19 June 26	Ascot	2414m	C2 HCP	7.5L
8/8	10 May 26	Leopardstown	1609m		12.0L
9/12	19 Apr 26	Curragh	2011m		8.5L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

2. Light Infantry Man(5) · Mark Zahra · T: Ciaron Maher · 59kg · x1415x4820

26.46

23.00TAB

–

23.00

20.00

–

23.00

21.00

–

21.00

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Light Infantry Man

Barrier 5 · Jockey Mark Zahra · Trainer Ciaron Maher · 59kg · Form x1415x4820

Model win 26.46 · place 5.71

Jumped at $21.00 and faded away to finish 11th last start at the track. Will be positive in the run early. Would need to step up.

Last start raced on the pace before fading ran second last of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 13 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $21. The race before that rolled along in front before being edged out 2nd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on heavy track; 1.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 58kg at $26. Unsuited in Cox Plate, the Turnbull run has him a place hope.

Tired off a fast pace in the Cox Plate but the previous run was game. Not disgraced when fifth behind Via Sistina in this race last year.

Finished 11th over 2040m last start after running second in the Flemington 2000m G1 earlier in October, deep into the campaign. That course-and-distance second keeps him in the mix, but he needs to bounce back.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
11/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	13.8L
2/13	3 Oct 26	Flemington	2000m	OPEN	1.8L
8/10	12 Sept 26	Flemington	1600m	OPEN	5.5L
4/8	15 Aug 26	Caulfield	1600m	BM100	2.1L
5/7	11 Apr 26	Randwick	2000m	OPEN	9.7L
1/12	28 Mar 26	Flemington	2000m	OPEN	0.1L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

11. Treasurethe Moment(2) · Daniel Stackhouse · T: Matt Laurie · 57kg · x313x40257

32.66

29.00PointsBet

–

26.00

–

27.00

29.00

26.00

–

26.00

–

Treasurethe Moment

Barrier 2 · Jockey Daniel Stackhouse · Trainer Matt Laurie · 57kg · Form x313x40257

Model win 32.66 · place 6.66

Jumped at $26.00 and ran 7th last run at Caulfield but have to respect the form at this distance. Interesting gear change of blinkers on first time. Prefer in something easier.

At the latest run 7th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4 len behind Kingswood carrying 55.5kg at $26. The run before that ran second last in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, 4.5 len behind Land Legend with 57kg at $12. Back in trip a plus but still has a bit to find.

Back in trip but thought her Caulfield Cup run was okay. Certainly has the class to figure in the thick of things here.

Finished seventh over 2400m last start after a fifth over 2000m and a G2 second over 1600m, now well into the current preparation. The return to 2000m is more suitable, but recent form needs to improve to threaten.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
7/18	17 Oct 26	Caulfield	2400m	OPEN	4.0L
5/6	10 Oct 26	Caulfield	2000m	OPEN	4.5L
2/6	27 Sept 26	Caulfield	1600m	OPEN	1.5L
10/10	12 Sept 26	Flemington	1600m	OPEN	9.7L
4/12	29 Aug 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	3.4L
3/11	11 Apr 26	Randwick	1600m	OPEN	1.7L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

6. Land Legend(8) · Ethan Brown · T: Ciaron Maher · 59kg · x0729x0010

36.80

31.00TAB

–

31.00

–

27.00

29.00

31.00

–

31.00

–

Land Legend

Barrier 8 · Jockey Ethan Brown · Trainer Ciaron Maher · 59kg · Form x0729x0010

Model win 36.80 · place 7.27

Jumped at $41.00 and couldn't stay in touch when 12th last start at this venue. Should be rolling forward early from the wide barrier. Prefer in an easier race.

At the latest run raced on the pace before fading ran last of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 18 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $41. The run before that won by a head in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m defeating Sheza Alibi carrying 59kg at $61. Fancy the run two back was an anomaly.

Caulfield Stakes tactics didn't work in the Cox Plate with a bigger field and a faster tempo. No wins from seven starts here.

Was 12th over 2040m last start after a G1 win over 2000m at Caulfield, with an 11th between those runs; he is eight starts into the campaign. Likely to lead again, but recent inconsistency makes him difficult to trust.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
12/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	18.8L
1/6	10 Oct 26	Caulfield	2000m	OPEN	0.2L
11/13	27 Sept 26	Caulfield	2000m	Qlty	9.0L
10/15	12 Sept 26	Flemington	1700m	OPEN	6.7L
9/12	9 May 26	Caulfield	2000m	BM100	6.0L
2/14	25 Apr 26	Flemington	2000m	BM100	1.5L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

4. Attrition(9) · Jamie Mott · T: Mitchell Freedman · 59kg · 6x80x90319

103

101Sportsbet

–

81.00

101

–

91.00

–

91.00

–

Attrition

Barrier 9 · Jockey Jamie Mott · Trainer Mitchell Freedman · 59kg · Form 6x80x90319

Model win 103 · place 15.63

Started at $71.00 and didn't threaten when 9th last start around here. Looks to be in trouble.

Last start 9th of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 10 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $71. The run before that won by a neck in the G2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill on October 10 over 1900m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. Not quite up to these.

Loomed up in the run home in the Cox Plate but was unable to finish off. Game prior. Was a 6.6 length sixth in this race last year.

Finished ninth over 2040m last start after a G2 win over 1900m and a G1 third over 1800m, well into the current preparation. His on-pace position and earlier stakes form keep him in the mix, although the latest fade is a concern.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
9/12	24 Oct 26	Flemington	2040m	OPEN	10.3L
1/8	10 Oct 26	Rosehill	1900m	OPEN	0.3L
3/8	19 Sept 26	Caulfield	1800m	OPEN	4.0L
11/16	29 Aug 26	Caulfield	1700m	OPEN	8.6L
9/11	15 Aug 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	6.1L
11/14	7 Feb 26	Caulfield	1600m	OPEN	4.1L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

7. Von Hauke(3) · Damian Lane · T: Cliff Brown · 59kg · 6x5103x700

101

101TAB

–

101

81.00

–

91.00

101

91.00

–

91.00

–

Von Hauke

Barrier 3 · Jockey Damian Lane · Trainer Cliff Brown · 59kg · Form 6x5103x700

Model win 101 · place 15.43

Was $15.00 and underperformed when 10th last time here and racing against tougher rivals. Expected to settle towards the tail. Looking elsewhere today.

Most recently ran second last of 11 in the G2 Crystal Mile at this track on October 24 over 1600m, 6 len behind Surfin' Bird carrying 58.5kg at $15. Before that eased back early on 11th of 15 in the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 3 len behind Lady Shenandoah with 56.5kg at $26. Outclassed.

Has got back in 1600m contests at last two runs. Okay in tight room at Caulfield, just too far back here. First try at this trip.

Recent stakes finishes of 10th, 11th and seventh leave him needing to rebound, nine runs into the preparation. The backmarker map gives him plenty to do, and his current form is difficult to recommend.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
10/11	24 Oct 26	Flemington	1600m	OPEN	5.8L
11/15	10 Oct 26	Caulfield	1600m	OPEN	3.2L
7/16	19 Sept 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	2.9L
3/18	13 June 26	EagleFarm	1400m	OPEN	1.9L
10/16	30 May 26	EagleFarm	1300m	OPEN	2.6L
1/12	2 May 26	Bendigo	1600m	OPEN	0.1L

Price over time

BetfairTABSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

8. Sabaj scratched(10) · Blake Shinn · T: M Price & M Kent Jnr · 59kg · 10244X0071

Sabaj

Barrier 10 · Jockey Blake Shinn · Trainer M Price & M Kent Jnr · 59kg · Form 10244X0071

On a short back up. Charged home to win last time around here but challenged by more formidable competitors.

At the latest run favourite; won by a neck in the LR Melbourne Cup Day Plate at this track on November 3 over 1800m on a soft track defeating Darkbonee carrying 57kg at $2.60. The race before that 7th of 15 in the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 3 len behind Lady Shenandoah carrying 54kg at $8.50. Nice win Tuesday but this is a lot tougher.

Had excuses in his Caulfield runs at the elite level then got sweet trip, a gap when he needed it and was too strong down in class on Tuesday. Place.

Won the Flemington 1800m listed race on 3 November after finishing seventh in a Caulfield G1, five runs into the preparation. This quick return in a 2000m G1 presents a sharp test.

Last starts

Pos	Date	Track	Dist	Class	Margin
1/10	3 Nov 26	Flemington	1800m	OPEN	0.3L
7/15	10 Oct 26	Caulfield	1600m	OPEN	3.0L
12/16	19 Sept 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	5.5L
12/12	29 Aug 26	Caulfield	1400m	OPEN	6.2L
4/12	28 Mar 26	Flemington	2000m	OPEN	2.5L
4/9	7 Mar 26	Flemington	1600m	OPEN	0.7L

Price over time

BetfairSportsbetNedsPointsBetBetRUnibetDabble

Runners in price order, shortest first. Tap a runner for its notes, last starts and its price over time at every book.

Runner	Model	Best	Betfair	TAB	Sportsbet	Ladbrokes	Neds	PointsBet	BetR	Unibet	Palmerbet	Picklebet	Dabble	FanDuel
1. Cosmic Crusader(11) · William Pike · T: Andrea Leek · 59kg · 12x1132141	1.59	1.45TAB	–	1.45	1.33	–	1.45	1.40	1.35	1.40	–	–	1.36	–
10. Aeliana(4) · James Mcdonald · T: Chris Waller · 57kg · x2211x0233	1.71	1.55TAB	–	1.55	1.40	–	1.50	1.52	1.40	1.45	–	–	1.45	–
3. Sir Delius(7) · Craig Williams · T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott · 59kg · 11x331x446	2.14	1.75TAB	–	1.75	1.57	–	1.75	1.72	1.75	1.75	–	–	1.70	–
5. Birdman(1) · Ben Melham · T: Chris Waller · 59kg · 11521x6132	2.05	1.75TAB	–	1.75	1.67	–	1.75	1.72	1.75	1.60	–	–	1.70	–
9. Omni Man(6) · Dylan Browne Mcmonagle · T: Joseph O'Brien · 59kg · 63x98543x3	4.19	3.30TAB	–	3.30	2.88	–	3.30	3.20	3.30	3.10	–	–	3.30	–
2. Light Infantry Man(5) · Mark Zahra · T: Ciaron Maher · 59kg · x1415x4820	5.71	4.50Neds	–	4.20	4.00	–	4.50	3.90	4.00	4.20	–	–	4.00	–
11. Treasurethe Moment(2) · Daniel Stackhouse · T: Matt Laurie · 57kg · x313x40257	6.66	5.00TAB	–	5.00	5.00	–	5.00	4.40	4.20	5.00	–	–	4.20	–
6. Land Legend(8) · Ethan Brown · T: Ciaron Maher · 59kg · x0729x0010	7.27	6.00TAB	–	6.00	6.00	–	5.00	4.40	4.60	6.00	–	–	4.60	–
4. Attrition(9) · Jamie Mott · T: Mitchell Freedman · 59kg · 6x80x90319	15.63	15.50Sportsbet	–	13.00	15.50	–	11.00	9.00	10.00	15.00	–	–	10.00	–
7. Von Hauke(3) · Damian Lane · T: Cliff Brown · 59kg · 6x5103x700	15.43	16.00Unibet	–	14.00	12.75	–	11.00	10.00	10.00	16.00	–	–	10.00	–
8. Sabaj scratched(10) · Blake Shinn · T: M Price & M Kent Jnr · 59kg · 10244X0071

Runner	Opened	Now	Move
1. Cosmic Crusader(11) · William Pike · T: Andrea Leek · 59kg · 12x1132141	3.70	3.50	▼ 5%
10. Aeliana(4) · James Mcdonald · T: Chris Waller · 57kg · x2211x0233	3.20	3.80	▲ 19%
5. Birdman(1) · Ben Melham · T: Chris Waller · 59kg · 11521x6132	5.50	5.00	▼ 9%
3. Sir Delius(7) · Craig Williams · T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott · 59kg · 11x331x446	7.00	5.50	▼ 21%
9. Omni Man(6) · Dylan Browne Mcmonagle · T: Joseph O'Brien · 59kg · 63x98543x3	18.00	14.00	▼ 22%
2. Light Infantry Man(5) · Mark Zahra · T: Ciaron Maher · 59kg · x1415x4820	26.00	23.00	▼ 12%
11. Treasurethe Moment(2) · Daniel Stackhouse · T: Matt Laurie · 57kg · x313x40257	26.00	29.00	▲ 12%
6. Land Legend(8) · Ethan Brown · T: Ciaron Maher · 59kg · x0729x0010	41.00	31.00	▼ 24%
4. Attrition(9) · Jamie Mott · T: Mitchell Freedman · 59kg · 6x80x90319	81.00	101	▲ 25%
7. Von Hauke(3) · Damian Lane · T: Cliff Brown · 59kg · 6x5103x700	126	101	▼ 20%

Opened: the longest opening price among the bookmakers. Now: the best price now. Firming ▼ means the price has shortened.

Racing and Sports

COSMIC CRUSADER (1) wound up strongly in the run home last start to register an impressive win over 2040m in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track. William Pike who has scored on him three times retains the mount. Likely to feature. BIRDMAN (5) found the line nicely to grab second last time out over 2040m in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track. Ben Melham who has scored on him three times retains the mount. Likely to feature. AELIANA (10) started favourite last time out over 2040m in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track but found a couple better, making it three minor placings from four starts this campaign. She is a leading hope. SIR DELIUS (3) disappointed last start when out of the placings over 2040m in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track, beaten 5 lengths. Finds a more suitable contest and can turn things around.

Dabble

Aeliana appeals as the top pick in the Champions Stakes, having produced an excellent third in the Cox Plate after coming from well back and finishing strongly behind Cosmic Crusader. She was also third in the Turnbull Stakes and looks well placed from barrier 4, with James McDonald able to settle closer in the run. **Sir Delius** is the main danger, with his fourth in the Makybe Diva Stakes and sixth in the Cox Plate suggesting he has more to offer third-up. He has the class to bounce back and should appreciate a genuinely run 2000m. Cosmic Crusader is the benchmark after consecutive Turnbull Stakes and Cox Plate victories, while Birdman also commands respect following his strong second in the Cox Plate. Aeliana gets the nod to turn the tables with a more favourable draw and a potentially softer run in transit. AELIANA (10) Showed a good turn of foot when 3rd last time here. James Mcdonald is very comfortable aboard. Producing consistent results since returning from a spell. Winning hope. SIR DELIUS (3) Ran 6th last run at this venue. Can make a comeback and proven performer at this trip in the past. Serious player. BIRDMAN (5) Managed to finish 2nd beaten by 3/4L last time around here and suited at this trip in the past. Jockey Ben Melham has been successful before. Worth consideration. COSMIC CRUSADER (1) Finished well when winning last start at the track. William Pike has been successful previously. Has been a model of consistency this preparation. Underrated.

Timeform (FanDuel)

Effectively a Cox Plate rematch, just run over ¼f less. BIRDMAN (5) was held up and dashed through a gap there, briefly looking the winner before COSMIC CRUSADER (1) mowed him down to confirm his position as best middle distance horse in the country. They did go very fast there and he was (again) best suited. Perhaps they do again, but if they don't, Birdman showed in the Underwood he has the turn of foot to beat the Crusader. AELIANA (10) had every chance in the Cox Plate the way the race was run but the winner came off her back and was simply too good. She raced like she wants further which she doesn't get, maybe the gate helps her get first run but early favourite is a stretch given the other two beat her last time. SIR DELIUS (3) was closer to the brutal speed in the Cox Plate but still underwhelmed a bit given he'd relished that scenario in the Autumn. He too looks like he wants further than 1 ¼m. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (2) went too quick there, the Turnbull 2nd has him a minor hope

Racing and Sports

Effectively a Cox Plate rematch, just run over 40m less. BIRDMAN (5) was held up and dashed through a gap there, briefly looking the winner before COSMIC CRUSADER (1) mowed him down to confirm his position as best middle distance horse in the country. They did go very fast there and he was (again) best suited. Perhaps they do again, but if they don't, BIRDMAN showed in the Underwood he has the turn of foot to beat the Crusader. AELIANA (10) had every chance in the Cox Plate the way the race was run but the winner came off her back and was simply too good. She raced like she wants further which she doesn't get, maybe the gate helps her get first run but early favourite is a stretch given the other two beat her last time. SIR DELIUS (3) was closer to the brutal speed in the Cox Plate but still underwhelmed a bit given he'd relished that scenario in the Autumn. He too looks like he wants further than 2000m. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (2) went too quick there, the Turnbull 2nd has him a minor hope

Best Bets

Land Legend to make this truly run. AELIANA had to settle a few pairs further back than ideal from barrier 10 in the Cox Plate. COSMIC CRUSADER came from behind her, but she stuck to her task well. From barrier four, Aeliana can get a better run and make amends. BIRDMAN split them and looks a threat again. The stable reports were that SIR DELIUS would be fitter from his fair run in that race. Mounting-yard watchers suggested the stallion's mind was on other things. If he's relaxed pre-race, he's right in this. OMNI MAN ran on well in the Geelong Cup, albeit with 54kg in much lower grade.

Matthew Hill

A strong version of the Group 1 Champions Stakes over 2000m is also worth 3 million dollars. 5. BIRDMAN has held his form since winning the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield, and was brave to the line when finishing runner-up in the Cox Plate here 2 weeks ago. He will be hoping to settle a touch closer this time, and he should be fighting out the finish again. 1. COSMIC CRUSADER has had a terrific spring campaign, including a win here in the G1 Turnbull 3 back, and added the Cox Plate 2 weeks ago for good measure. He wouldn't want a track that is too firm, but he can add another G1 to his record here. 10. AELIANA had no answer to the second pick when finishing third in the Cox Plate, and she would definitely like some cut in the ground. She maps to settle closer to the pace this time, and another honest run is likely. 3. SIR DELIUS was being touted as the best horse in Australia prior to the spring, and things have not gone his way in 3 starts. He is fully fit now, so go again.

Racing Central

LAND LEGEND (6) is likely to lead, with LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (2), SIR DELIUS (3) and ATTRITION (4) also expected to press forward. That pace should suit midfield runner BIRDMAN (5), giving him a suitable launch. BIRDMAN (5) was runner-up over 2040m at Flemington last start, following a third over 2000m and a G1 win over 1800m. AELIANA (10) finished third in that same 2040m race and has now recorded three consecutive top-three finishes. COSMIC CRUSADER (1) won the race by 0.8 lengths and also captured a G1 over 2000m earlier in the campaign. SIR DELIUS (3) is harder to assess after a sixth and a fourth in his latest two starts, but an earlier 2000m G1 win and first-time blinkers keep him in contention.

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R8 TAB Champions Stakes 2026 odds

Result

Cosmic Crusader

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Aeliana

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Birdman

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Sir Delius

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Omni Man

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Light Infantry Man

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Treasurethe Moment

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Land Legend

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Attrition

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Von Hauke

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Sabaj

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leader

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