$5 million goes on the line in the 2022 All-Star Mile, one of nines race at Flemington on Saturday.
The rail will be set out nine metres around the entire course and at publish, we’re faced with a track rated in the Good (4) range.
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Race 1 – 12:25pm – Kennedy Grand Handicap Classic (2500m)
French Moon is chasing a hat-trick when he steps out in Race 1 on All Star Mile Day, and I’m keen to stick with him.
The Puissance De Line gelding returned to winning form in dominant fashion at Bendigo two starts back, and franked that performance with another smart win at The Valley last time.
He’s rock-hard fit and should relish racing on the big track at HQ.
Race 2 – 1:05pm – VOBIS Gold Comet (1000m)
Miss Albania hasn’t been seen at the races since September, but she can return a winner in the VOBIS Gold Comet.
The Magnus mare returned plenty of strong efforts under the care of Enver Jusufovic, recording four wins and has many minors from nine starts, and finding form around some above-average gallopers.
She has been transferred to the care of Tony & Calvin McEvoy this time, and I think that she can go to another level.
Race 3 – 1:40pm – The G.H. Mumm Mystic Journey (2000m)
Yonce puts an unbeaten record on the line in the third on All-Star Mile Day, and she’ll take a power of beating again.
The Proisir mare has continued to improve with each start and as the bar has been raised, but the $1.70 about her this week is too short for me, and I am happy to watch.
Race 4 – 2:20pm – VOBIS Gold Reef (1600m)
This looks a great opportunity for Pounding to make a successful transition to Saturday feature racing.
Pounding has been a strong and consistent performer at the midweeks throughout his prep, and he was rewarded for his condition with a smart win over a mile at Ladbrokes Park last time.
He’s in peak order for this contest and is another galloper who should relish Flemington.
Race 5 – 2:55pm – Furphy Country Mile Series Final (1600m)
I’m going to have something small on Flandersrain in the Country Mile Series Final at a price ($17 at publish).
The Manhattan Rain mare probably hasn’t shown her best in four starts back this time, but she has improved noticeably with each, and she was a smart second behind Gracias Amigo at Ladbrokes Park last time out.
She’s rock-hard fit, should receive a nice run and is a touch of overs, in my opinion.
Race 6 – 3:40pm – The All-Star Mile (1600m)
We’re set for another strong edition of the $5 million All-Star Mile, and some of the country’s best middle-distance horses will step out, including Inspirational Girl.
Inspirational Girl was nothing short of outstanding during the 2020 Perth Summer Carnival, winning the Railway Stakes and fishing second in the Kingston Town Classic.
She has taken a couple of preps to return to her best on the East Coast, but her win in the Blamey Stakes last time was nothing short of outstanding, and she steps out this week in peak order.
Race 7 – 4:20pm – The Lexus Mugatoo (1600m)
This is one of the more open races on the program, but I think that Gentleman Roy can win.
Gentleman Roy has been a strong and consistent performer throughout his preparation, winning four of six starts back and finishing second on the other two occasions.
His second behind the undefeated Yonce here a fortnight ago reads particularly well for something like this, and he can win again.
Race 8 – 5:00pm – The Seppelt Wines Regal Power (2000m)
I’m going to give Pancho one last chance in the penultimate race on All-Star Mile Day.
Pancho famously beat Russian Camelot during their three-year-old season, but he has proven to be a bit of an enigma throughout his subsequent career.
He has improved for three starts back this time and was unlucky to miss a placing in BM100 company at Caulfield last time, and there’s little doubt that he’ll enjoy returning to Flemington.
At $18, we can have an each-way play.
Race 9 – 5:40pm – Benchmark 80 Sprint (1200m)
The last race on All-Star Mile Day is wide open and there is a case to be made for many, including Grinzinger Prince
Grinzinger Prince faces a rise in class, but he has won two from three back this time, including a smart performance around some decent horses at Pakenham last time.
He has been kept up to the mark with a trial since his last effort and we can have something on each-way.
