14/3/19 Flemington Tips: All Star Mile

Distance	1600m
Grade	Restricted Event
Track Rating	Good 4
Prizemoney	$5,000,000
Class	Weight For Age
2018 winner	First Running

With the phenomenal success of NSW's The Everest, Victorian racing had no choice but to answer with their own flagship restricted event.

Saturday will showcase their reply, with the inauguaral running of the All Star Mile.

The race struggled to gain traction early and courted plenty of controversy, with accusations of vote rigging and quality conerns amongst the initial entrants.

I feel that the finished product has come together nicely and with the addition of the "wild card" entries and Godolphin's strong support of the race, this event will capture the attention of punters nationwide. 

 

 Flemington Track Traits

Flemington is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail out 7m the entire circuit and fine conditions predicted for Saturday. 

The wide-open spaces of Flemington usually provide equal opportunity for both on-speed and run-on profiles, however at times the fence is on fire and preferred.

A close watch is advised throughout early racing to determine any bias patterns.

 

 Racing Market Movers

Mystic Journey has been heavily backed to win this, firming from an opening quote of $4.40 all the way into the current $3.70.

This has forced Alizee out to $3.60 from a $3.00 open.

At longer odds, Trap For Fools is $51 into $26. 

 

 Key Runners

#1 Happy Clapper $5

Will be delighted not to be lining up against Winx!

With the great mare's absence, he must be considered a leading fancy here.

He was excellent last start in the Chipping Norton Stakes, when the rider used initiative to lead. Despite being collared late by the superstar mare, he was the best of the rest by a long way. 

Expect him to revert back to his usual pattern of finding cover to run-on and from a mid draw (gate 9), Shinn can have him midfield in the moving line.

Winx formlines are enormous and he is a top hope here. Yes.   

 

#2  Hartnell $10

Has been good at both runs this time in and loves it third up (9:5-2-0).

I generally prefer to steer away from him, considering his populist profile which almost always sees him jump well under the odds.

Have to concede he is a chance here, however he'd need much better odds than the current $11. Happy to bet around. 

 

#3 Material Man $21

Is the horse from WA with a big boom, yet has failed to deliver in three stakes Victorian runs this prep.

He did have excuses last start in the Blamey Stakes when he was caught wide and did it tough throughout. 

However, I still feel that he needed to show more then to be a chance in this.

Expect a market drift and plenty of these to beat him home. No.   

 

#4 Grunt $19

Has outstanding Group 1 form from last prep and can certainly win this second-up.

The last start effort was good enough and the improvement he can take from that run into this is the key.

Oliver will need to give him a peach from gate 15, but with any luck in running he will be steaming over the top late.

Leading chance.       

 

#11 Alizee $3.00 > $3.60

Has been simply breathtaking all prep and although he was ridden upside down (closer to speed) last start, she was still far too good at Group 1 level in the Futurity Stakes.

Just needs to hold the good form fourth-up, as the mares can go sour from week to week. 

Looks very classy and should account for these. Must go on top.  

 

#12 Hawkshot $12

Is the likely leader here and from the favourable draw in gate 4, expect him to jump straight on the bunny. 

He still needs to prove himself against the older topliners as a 3yo, however he is right up to it. 

Can lead, dictate and win. Yes. 

 

#8 Mystic Journey $4.40 > $3.70

Was backed off the map last start in the Australian Guineas ($5.50 into $4.00 late), before travelling midfield and running away from them all. 

She is another 3yo who will need to make the big step up to weight for age company, although she possesses the ability to do so with ease.

Is the leading 3yo hope and a huge threat to the older horses. Yes

 

Of The Others

Le Romain is first emergency here, however if he gets a run he's surely a genuine contender and looks well over the odds in final field markets at $23. 

Has tactical speed and from gate 1 can be anywhere the rider chooses. Looks the value! 

 

 Best Racing Tips

1^st  Alizee

2^nd  Mystic Journey

3^rd  Grunt 

4^th  Happy Clapper

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