Via Sistina confirms her Champion status in Flemington Group 1 in what is likely her Melbourne farewell

Via Sistina once again lived up to the title of the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, putting on a show for what is likely to be her farewell appearance from Melbourne racing.

In the mare’s 12th Group 1 success, James McDonald settled her back second last before improving from halfway, racing deep but with cover.

Making the bend, the $1.85 favourite had made smooth progress to within two lengths of the lead and was still under a firm grip.

Shaken up at the 400m, Via Sistina moved to the lead and stormed more than a length clear, with her stamina showing as the margin only increased on the run to the judge.

Backing up last year’s triumph in the race, she had almost three lengths in hand on the line from Zambardo ($14), an eight-start newcomer who ran out of his skin to be runner-up.

At eight years of age, retirement soon beckons for Via Sistina, though trainer Chris Waller is loath to confirm a set plan for the modern-age Winx.

“I’ll do the same thing I did with Winx and that’s go and see her in three or four weeks time,” Waller said.

“At this stage of Winx’s career, we would give her full physical examinations. If she’s bouncing around the paddock in three or four weeks time, it will be full steam ahead.

“Any sign that she’s ready to finish, she’ll finish.

“She’s done her job for the spring. She was in work for six months. Her first run back from a spell was on a heavy track in the Winx Stakes. She’s been brave ever since.”

Despite being deep into her campaign, the master conditioner had no fears for the relentless galloper, who has continued to get better under his tutelage since arriving from the UK.

“I thought she was ready to produce something like that,” Waller said.

“Her international form was something special and it’s rare for us to get a really high-class horse down here like her, and she was just maturing. We’ve got her at the right time.

“They did an amazing job with her over there looking after her. She was a big, raw mare, and I didn’t worry about her age.

“What a great day it’s been with Ceolwulf, Giga Kick and now Via Sistina. Three serious horses on an amazing day of racing.”

Giga Kick ($5.50) returned to the Group 1 winners’ list with victory in the Champions Sprint (1200m), nudging out Magic Time ($11) in a thrilling finish.

The six-year-old muscled his way into the clear at the 300m and hit the front 100m later.

However, Magic Time matched his every stride, and fleetingly poked her head in front deep inside the final furlong.

But under Mark Zahra’s vigour, Giga Kick kicked on tigerishly and fought back to score a head victory over his valiant foe.

It primes him for a potential tilt at Ascot’s Pinnacles carnival, headed by the Gold Rush (1400m) for which he is now a $3.50 joint favourite with Mr Brightside.