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-u

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