All Star Mile – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Warm

The 2023 All Star Mile is sure to be a run at a strong pace with the likes of Keats, Gentleman Roy and Alligator Blood noted on speed runners.  The three horses who ran the trifecta in the Futurity Stakes at Sandown – Alligator Blood, Mr Brightside and I’m Thunderstruck – are the only three runners under double figures in the market.  It’s note worthy the three also met in Australia’s premier weight for age race the WS Cox Plate back in October – I’m Thunderstruck was best placed in second on that occasion.

1. I’m Thunderstruck

Is becoming a touch costly having not won for six starts but I think crucially he finds a fast run race again here.  Set for this and as long as he doesn’t get too far back I think he can win.

2. Alligator Blood

Duel Group 1 winner last prep and was very good winning the Futurity first up at Sandown.  He can trail a warm speed here and has an undeniable chance again.  Interesting that the synthetic hoof filler goes on, perhaps not a huge cause for concern although if he was soft in betting the last 5 minutes then I’d be concerned.

3. Cascadian

Returned well, beaten less than 2 lengths in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.  He has the talent to win but is reliant on race shape and a bunching field given his negative racing pattern.  If they string out then it becomes very hard for him.

4. Mr Brightside

Is seemingly a better horse this prep.  Was the run of the race first up, then kept coming in the Futurity to finish second.  Winkers go on here and I like that he is third up into a fast run race.  Will just need a gap or two to come his way at a crucial time from the low draw.

5. So Si Bon

Been up for ever and lacks the class of some of these.  Very rough first four chance.

6. Laws Of Indices

Has just one win in his last twenty four starts.  That being said he is always there abouts and could end up on the back of Alligator Blood here which could be a dream spot.  I would not be leaving him out of multiples.

7. Aegon

Hard to have off last start but another who could end up in a good spot.  Place hope.

8. Alenquer

Import who was ninth in the Arc D Triomphe at his last start.  Potentially looking for further but is the big naught on the roulette wheel.  Market late your best guide with him.

9. The Inevitable

Has won his last six starts in Tassie.  Deserves his crack at the title here.

10. My Oberon

Won the Crystal Mile here on wet ground back in October.  I didn’t like the trial before his first up run and he didn’t do much in that run.  Gun camp but I have to risk him for the reasons outlined.

11. Gentleman Roy

Think he probably has to sit outside lead on a fast tempo here and I’m not sure he can do that and keep going at 1600m.

12. Pounding

Ran well in the Blamey last start but will need a good ride from 12.

13. Nugget

He’s rock hard fit and racing well.  If the inside is the better ground then he could run a place.

14. Keats

They’ve declared their hand with him lead at all costs and try and run them into the ground.  I doubt he can win but it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see him hold on for a place at a big price.

15. Sheeza Belter

Interesting they come to Melbourne on the quick back up after finishing third in the Group 1 mares race in Sydney last week.  Map looks sticky.

16e. The Fortune Teller – 1st Emergency

Not here.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 I’m Thunderstruck	2 Alligator Blood
4 Mr Brightside	4 Mr Brightside
2 Alligator Blood	12 Pounding
6 Laws Of Indices	15 Sheeza Belter