Spring Champion: Every Runner Breakdown, Tips, and Predicted Finishing Order

Your cheat sheet to the 2025 Spring Champion Stakes — a full runner-by-runner breakdown, tips, and predicted finishing order for Randwick’s big 2000m test. From budding stars to bold front-runners, we’ve sorted the serious contenders from the “maybe next preppers” so you don’t have to.

Our experts have crunched the data, mapped every scenario, and pinpointed which runners are ready to peak on the big stage. Don’t miss our Best Bet and Value selections at the bottom — they could be the key to unlocking a serious collect this weekend.

1. Attica — 56.5kg — Mid/back (one-off)

Why he can win

Exploding through the Dulcify from the tail, then ticked over with a quiet trial; still on the up and profiles like the strongest late closer at set weights. Godolphin colt draws to blend in, conserve, and build into clear air.

Why he can’t

Gate 13 can strand him if they stack midrace; any traffic at the 300m blunts his momentum.

Predicted finish: Win chance

2. Shangri La Boy — 56.5kg — Leader

Why he can win

Rolled on a genuine tempo in the Gloaming and kept running; hard fit, natural improver, and maps to control again from a soft alley. If the track suits on-pace, he’s the benchmark.

Why he can’t

If pressured by multiple, he’s forced to work earlier than ideal and becomes vulnerable late to the stronger closers.

Predicted finish: Top 4

3. San Giovanni — 56.5kg — Handy/midfield

Why he can win

Honest, versatile, and keeps holding form at group level. Lands a sweet spot behind the speed and stays on when others wobble.

Why he can’t

Meets a couple with sharper closing figures; needs everything to fall into place to turn the tables.

Predicted finish: First 8

4. Officiate — 56.5kg — Midfield (one-off)

Why he can win

Building nicely and was only grabbed late in the Super Impose; cleaner away and he takes a prominent trail with McEvoy. Any give in the ground is a plus.

Why he can’t

Has a tendency to shift under pressure; in a tight finish that trait can be costly.

Predicted finish: First 8

5. Master Of The Air — 56.5kg — Midfield

Why he can win

Two wins this prep and a strong provincial figure say he’s progressing; draws to tuck in and present off a measured tempo.

Why he can’t

Gloaming run suggested he’s not quite at the level of the top handful yet at this trip.

Predicted finish: First 8

6. Federalist — 56.5kg — Mid/back (one-off)

Why he can win

Starting to work it out and the Dulcify run was better than it reads after traffic. Blinkers and a stretch in trip can sharpen focus.

Why he can’t

Still a maiden and giving race-hardened winners a head start; needs a big new peak.

Predicted finish: Rest

7. Champagne Hero — 56.5kg — Handy/midfield

Why he can win

Strong Newcastle win two back and forgiven latest when locked away; can hold a lane with minimum fuss and keep grinding.

Why he can’t

Depth rises sharply and his late work hasn’t matched the leading chances at 1800+.

Predicted finish: Rest

8. Tambeloa — 56.5kg — Mid/back (rails)

Why he can win

Has a mile win and can settle, save ground, and pick runs if they overdo it. Visors could help focus.

Why he can’t

Class jump is significant and recent figures sit a rung below.

Predicted finish: Rest

9. Southern Prince — 56.5kg — Mid/back (one-off)

Why he can win

Comes in off two wins and shapes like he’ll appreciate a rolling tempo at a mile to 1800 m.

Why he can’t

First crack at Saturday metro grade against deep form lines; needs to lift several lengths.

Predicted finish: Rest

10. Crusader Voyage — 56.5kg — Box-seat/handy

Why he can win

Knocking on the door and blinkers go on; draws to park behind the lead and get every chance.

Why he can’t

Still learning and rises in trip; if the tempo backs off midrace, he can be one-paced when it matters.

Predicted finish: First 8

11. Within The Law — 54.5kg — Mid/back (one-off)

Why she can win

High-class filly with G1 placings at two and three; brings strong mile figures and a weight edge. If the race becomes a test late, she’s right in it.

Why she can’t

Wide draw and a busy prep mean she needs a perfectly timed ride; any traffic at the cutaway is costly.

Predicted finish: Top 4

12. Queen Of Clubs — 54.5kg — Mid/back (rails)

Why she can win

Capable when she finds cover and relaxes; can trail the right horse and finish off.

Why she can’t

Hasn’t put a figure down at Randwick to match these yet and recently flagged issues; hard to trust at the trip.

Predicted finish: Rest

13. The Pearls — 54.5kg — Leader/box-seat

Why she can win

Tough on-speed filly who stuck on gamely in the Gloaming; rail draw screams economical run and she makes her own luck.

Why she can’t

If the pressure ramps up early she could be exposed late to stronger late work.

Predicted finish: First 8

14. Sheeza Diva — 54.5kg — Mid/back (one-off)

Why she can win

Consistent, handles some give, and keeps closing if the race opens up.

Why she can’t

Needs a big new rating to trouble the principals and will be giving them a start.

Predicted finish: Rest

15e. Pinot Nero — 56.5kg — Backmarker (Emergency)

Why he can win

Strong country runs and a staying profile suggest he’ll appreciate a genuine pace.

Why he can’t

Huge class rise from provincial/country grade; would be a shock.

Predicted finish: Rest

Predicted finishing order

Attica
Shangri La Boy
Within The Law
San Giovanni
The Pearls
Officiate
Master Of The Air
Crusader Voyage

Next best: Champagne Hero, Federalist, Southern Prince, Queen Of Clubs, Sheeza Diva, Tambeloa
Emergency if gains a run: Pinot Nero

Best Bet: Attica

Value: The Pearls / Officiate (each-way, exotics)