Via Sistina odds-on to defend Champions Stakes crown

Via Sistina will be a short-priced favourite to close out her spring campaign in the same manner as 12 months ago when she contests the $3 million Champions Stakes.

Fresh from winning her second consecutive Cox Plate, Via Sistina is odds-on to claim another Champions Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

The veteran mare is among 11 acceptors for the final Group 1 race of the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Godolphin runner Tom Kitten and the Ciaron Maher-trained Light Infantry Man are the only horses framed as single-figure chances to topple Via Sistina.

Three-year-old Tentyris is a warm favourite to beat his older rivals in the $3 million Champions Sprint.

Tentyris will be making his second Cup week appearance after winning the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes last Saturday.

Ten horses have accepted for the $3 million Champions Mile, including Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes winner Pride Of Jenni and Lindsay Park evergreen Mr Brightside.

Mr Brightside will also renew acquaitances with his King Charles III Stakes conqueror Ceolwulf.

UK visitor Lake Forest heads to Melbourne after finishing down the course in the King Charles at Randwick.