‘She’s got the class’: Via Sistina, James McDonald go back-to-back in dominant Champions Stakes victory

Hot pre-race favourite Via Sistina and champion jockey James McDonald stormed to back-to-back victories in the prestigious Champions Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday.

A year after charging to victory by 2.75 lengths in the $3 million race, Via Sistina and McDonald combined to win by three lengths in a crushing display on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The eight-year-old mare exploded away from the field with 300 metres to go in the 2000-metre race to again become the toast of the iconic view on the home straight.

“She’s got the class, she’s got the legs and the stamina to win,” said race caller Matt Hill as Via Sistina stormed down the home straight.

“Another star turn from Via Sistina.”

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Via Sistina charging to victory on Saturday. Getty