The bookmakers are having a hard time separating the winning hopes of the JJ Atkins-bound two-year-olds in 2017 Champagne Classic betting for this weekend at Doomben Racecourse.
Jockey Luke Dittman (pictured on Shotover River) rides the 2017 Champagne Classic betting favourite Snitzkraft at Doomben this weekend. Photo: Daniel Costello.
The key support act on Doomben 10,000 Day, this year’s $175,000 Group 2 Moet Champagne Classic (1200m) field is down to 13 after the early scratching of Icon Of Dubai (12).
Of the remaining runners that are heading towards a Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) start at Eagle Farm next month, five are currently under double-figures for the win in the latest Champagne Classic odds at Ladbrokes.com.au.
Heading the markets at $3.40 is Snitzkraft for local trainers Kelso Wood & Patricia Gesler.
The Snitzel colt enjoyed back-to-back wins over this 1200m distance in January before returning for a first-up third as the beaten favourite in the Listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight back.
He’ll be fitter second-up over the same metres having faded late at Eagle Farm, has Luke Dittman aboard and will relish getting back to Doomben.
Occupying the second line of Champagne Classic betting at $5.50 and drawn a treat in barrier four is the Chris Munce-trained Ours To Keep.
Damian Browne rides the well-performed son of Seidnazar who has black-type winning form over Snitzkraft when the duo ran one-two in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1100m) at Doomben last December.
That was the second of three opening career wins for Ours to Keep who is best known for his nearly two length success in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Plate (1200m) ate Eagle Farm on New Year’s Eve.
He failed to fire when ninth in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) next-up, before returning for a fourth in the Dalrello Stakes and is another who will be fitter second-up on Saturday in the Group 2.
The early Champagne Classic market mover at $7 is the returning Tony Gollan-trained Star Witness filly She’s Our Star.
The lightly-raced youngster steps out for just the third time having won her debut at Doomben over 1050m in October before a third to subsequent Magic Millions Classic winner Houtzen back at the track on December 24.
If she shows up fresh, She’s Our Star could surprise getting a gun run from barrier three with Robbie Fradd aboard once again.
The other best fancied are the Chris Waller-trained last start Wyong winning Snitzel colt Tangled ($7.50) who has Kerrin McEvoy riding and Gary Moore’s Fernhill Handicap third placegetter over a mile in Sydney last time out All Too Huiying ($8) drawn in barriers seven and 13 respectively.
See below for the full Champagne Classic 2017 betting odds and market links to Ladbrokes.com.au where you’ll find all the winter’s top racing offers.
