• Via Sistina to focus on Champions Stakes at Flemington Racecourse instead

Via Sistina to focus on Champions Stakes at Flemington Racecourse instead

The owners of Via Sistina, the favorite for the Melbourne Cup, have announced that the mare will not participate in Australia’s biggest race next Tuesday. Instead, she will compete in the Champions Stakes at Flemington Racecourse the following weekend. After an impressive win at the Cox Plate in Moonee Valley last weekend, the seven-year-old became the clear favorite for the event popularly known as ‘the race that stops the nation.’ Yulong Investments confirmed on social media Wednesday that Via Sistina would not take part in the A$8 million ($5.24 million) handicap scheduled for November 5.

"The Cox Plate has always been her main target. To win it is nothing short of a dream. Following this peak performance and after much consideration, it has been decided she will not contest the 2024 Melbourne Cup," the post read.

"We look forward to taking aim at the G1 Champions Stakes a week on Saturday."

Another early contender for the Melbourne Cup, Jan Brueghel, was withdrawn from the race on Tuesday based on veterinary recommendations from Racing Victoria. A stewards’ report indicated that scans showed the Irish stallion, who triumphed at the St Leger in Doncaster last September, faced a “heightened risk of injury” and was deemed “unsuitable to compete.”