Best bets and tips for 2022 Champions Stakes day at Flemington

Brad Waters takes an early look at Saturday's Champions’ Day meeting at Flemington.

NATURE STRIP (Race 6, No.1) beat Giga Kick in The Everest. Nature Strip flies down the straight and can bounce back to square the ledger with Giga Kick on Saturday.

Lunches (Race 4, No.9) did well in the Geelong Cup but faded in last 100m. He can improve sharply with a softer run in Queen's Cup.

$100 flexi for 31.25% is available for 2022 Champions Stakes day at Flemington.

Best bets and tips for 2022 Champions Stakes day at Flemington.

The last day of the carnival starts with a tough contest. FRENCH EMPEROR (14) was impressive with the way he let down to score at Geelong. Winning Partner (1) improved quickly to win at The Valley last start and races well over 1600m. WORTHILY (16) can run well fresh. ELUDING (11) meets Winning partner 3kg better at the weights.

Best bets and tips for 2022 Champions Stakes day at Flemington. Chicago Bear is worth $8 to $5.50.

FLASH FEELING (12) ran on well at Sale second-up. ZA’EX (14) enjoyed the 1700m when running on at Geelong second time. WUDDZZ (19) made a good impression at his Australian debut atGeelong and will be fitter. AGNELLI (10) tried hard under 60.5 on wet ground last time but can improve on better footing.

The AMANDA ELLIOTT is the third race of the day at Flemington at 1:50 pm. Magic Time (14) impressed on debut on the synthetic. MUMBAI JEWEL (2) has raced well throughout the spring and should go well again. ANGRY SKIES (3) and KNIGHTJAR (18) are also in the race.

RACE 4: 2:30PM GROUP 3 QUEEN’S CUP (2600m). LUNCIES (9) was caught wide in the Geelong Cup. SOULCOMBE (11) has solid overseas form and should be respected on debut for Chris Waller. CAPTAIN ENVIOUS (13) is a stayer on the rise and could be the one running on hard late. Lunar Flare (5) scratched from the Melbourne Cup but is quality mare.

SIRILEO MISS (3) is worth another chance in the Group 2 TAB MATRIARCH STAKES (2000m). ATISHU (4) backs up after a good effort in Empire Rose Stakes and is a 2000m winner. STEINEM (6) made ground at The Valley second-up. DYNASTIES (8) didn't have much luck on Melbourne Cup Day and could be worth thought.

RACE 6 is 3:50pm Group 1 DARLEY CHAMPIONS SPRINT (1200m). The reigning champion NATURE STRIP (1) is outstanding on the Flemington straight course. GIGA KICK (14) was brilliant in The Everest and should again be the hardest to beat. BELLA NIPOTINA (9) easily won the Manikato Stakes and races well down the straight. ROCH ‘N’ HORSE (11) should go in multiples.

My OBERON (9) is going to win the inaugural Champions Mile at Flemington. PRIVATE EYE (2) has emerged as one of the best gallopers in Australia this time in. ALLIGATOR BLOOD (4) was brave in the Cox Plate and will give another big sight dropping in distance. MR BRIGHTSIDE (5) also dropped back from the plate but is a Group 1 winner over 1600m.

RACE 8: 5:10PM GROUP 1 TAB TAT CHAMPIONS STAKES (2000m). ANAMOE (7) has met every challenge this spring and has one more big performance left in him. I’M THUNDERSTRUCK (1) almost rolled Anamoe in the Cox Plate and races well at Flemington. ZAAKI (2) won this race last year and should be in line for a long way from barrier one. MO‘UNGA (3) was solid in Cox plate and will improve on firmer ground.

RACE 9 is at 5:50 pm World HORSE RACING GRAND HANDICAP (1100m). Melbourne Cup Carnival finishes with a wide open contest. NAJEM SUHAIL (9) looked terrific when racing up to his jumpout form at Sale. HYPOTHETICAL (14) was a good winner at Geelong first-up and will be fitter. TAUNTING (6) had a touch unlucky at The Valley fresh but races best at 1100m. FINE DANE (5) is honest and should be thereabouts.