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Flemington Five - Best Darley Champions Sprint

8 November 2024 Written by VRC

The $3 million Group 1 Darley Champions Sprint (1200m), formerly the Darley Sprint Classic, has a rich history marked by many name changes and iconic winners. Nature Strip, son of Nicconi, won this race in 2019 and 2021 before his famous triumph in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Previously known as the Patinack Farm Classic, Black Caviar won it in both 2010 and 2011 with electrifying performances. Under the name Age Classic, Miss Andretti won in 2007 when the race shifted from Victoria Derby Day and adopted a weight-for-age format. The Sprint was traditionally held on Derby Day as a six-furlong handicap before changing to 1200 meters in 1972. During Takeover Target’s era, it was called the Salinger Stakes, and as the Gadsden Stakes, Final Card equaled the track record in 1991. Originally launched in 1960, it was one of Flemington’s first commercially sponsored races, featuring early champions like Vain, Dual Choice, and Maybe Mahal.

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