Tips Category: All Star Mile

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2023 All Star Mile Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

Whilst racing fans in Sydney will be treated to a feast of feature racing on Saturday, it’s not all doom and gloom for Melbournians, with the fifth running of the $5m All Star Mile, this year to be run at Moonee Valley Racecourse. The 1600m weight-for-age contest has vastly become a principal race on the Victorian Autumn racing calendar, unsurprisingly with the prize money attached, there are 15 runners, from near and far, who are set to go head to head in this year’s feature.

Looking at the market, Dabble has the Waterhouse/ Bott trained, Alligator Blood, on top at $2.75, off the back of his super first up win in the Futurity Stakes. I’m Thunderstruck is on the second line at $6.00, along with Doncaster Handicap winner, Mr Brightside. These three are the only runners in single figures, with three-year-old, Sheeza Belter, heading the rest at $13.

However, we know anything can happen in horse racing and the tight Valley circuit can be a testing track for many. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2023 All Star Mile along with The Shark’s best tips.

1. I’m Thunderstruck (5) – $6.00
Jockey – Daniel Moor 59kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Runner-up in this race last year who resumed with a solid effort in the CF Orr Stakes behind stablemate, Jacquinot, before an even effort last time out behind Alligator Blood. Small fields of late have played against him and he should appreciate the bigger field and more genuine tempo here. His record at The Valley is good and he’s drawn to get a lovely trip with new jock, Daniel Moor, in the saddle. Can hit back.

2. Alligator Blood (7) – $2.75F
Jockey – Blake Shinn 59kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott


Dual Group 1 winner last prep alone who resumed in fine style at Sandown three weeks ago, when taking out the Futurity Stakes. Will be stamped urgent again here from the good gate by Shinn and look to control the race but might find a bit more pressure up front. In saying that he’s tough as nails and has a brilliant second up record. Will be in it for a long way.

3. Cascadian (14) – $15
Jockey – Ben Melham 59kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Rising 9YO who was terrific from the back first up in the Canterbury Stakes a fortnight ago. Will be snagged back from the wide draw here and look to have the last crack at them, as he did last year when finishing fifth. The map probably favours a few ahead of him here but it’s hard not to imagine him finishing in the top half dozen.

4. Mr Brightside (2) – $6.00
Jockey – Luke Currie 59kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Finished fourth in this race last year behind Zaaki before going on to win the Doncaster Handicap. Both runs back this prep have been outstanding from the back and the mile third up looks ideal. He’s a two time winner here at The Valley and will spend no fuel from the low draw. If the breaks go his way down the side, he’ll be right in the finish.

5. So Si Bon (15) – $91
Jockey – Harry Coffey 59kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Old timer who finished sixth in this race in 2020. Recent form has been good by his standards if you can be forgiving of his latest effort behind Nonconformist. With that said, this is a lot tougher, he’s drawn the outside gate and is yet to win at The Valley from six goes. Hard to have.

6. Laws Of Indices (6) – $16
Jockey – Oisin Murphy 59kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Talented entire who is becoming very costly for loyal followers. With that said, both runs back this prep have been good behind Anamoe and his effort three back behind California Spangle and Golden Sixty is good enough to win this. He’s drawn well and gets star international hoop, Oisin Murphy, in the saddle. Each-way chance but have to take on trust.


7. Aegon (8) – $31
Jockey – Blaike McDougall 59kg
Trainer – Andrew Forsman 

Ran on quite well behind Jacquinot two back in the CF Orr, before an even effort last start in the Futurity. Step up to the mile looks ideal, along with a more genuine run race, but he won’t find this any easier than his past two. Place looks best.

8. Alenquer (9) – $19
Jockey – Jordan Childs 59kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Former French galloper who joins the Moroney stables. Latest win came at Group 1 level in the Tatts Gold Cup at Curragh, where he beat home former Cox Plate winner, State Of Rest. He has some very good form around some absolute stars of the turf and is a winner of three from four first up. The mile may be a bit short of his best, but class can take him a long way here and it may pay to follow the market.

9. The Inevitable (3) – $23
Jockey – David Pires 59kg
Trainer – Scott Brunton

Tasmanian star who has now won 16 of his 29 starts, including one here at The Valley. Has strung six wins together this prep, all with David Pires in the saddle, and has a brilliant record at the mile. He’s proven in the past he’s good enough to compete with Victoria’s best and he returns here in the best form of his life. Respect.

10. My Oberon (11) – $31
Jockey – Jamie Mott 59kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Pulled up with excuses after his first up failure in the Futurity Stakes. Was a brilliant winner of the Crystal Mile here at The Valley first up last prep, before a close up sixth in the Cantala. No doubt he’s good enough to measure up with this field and could be worth another chance here. Improver.

11. Gentleman Roy (10) – $19
Jockey – Daniel Stackhouse 59kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

First over the line in the CF Orr two back, only to lose the race in the stewards room, before a solid effort in the Blamey last start, in a race that suited those off speed. Will keep Alligator Blood honest up front here and rarely gives in without a fight. Not without a hope.


12. Pounding (12) – $34
Jockey – Luke Nolen 59kg
Trainer – Peter G Moody

Strung three wins together, including the Group 3 Carlyon Cup, before another honest effort last time out when second to Nonconformist. Unbeaten in two goes here at The Valley mile but this is by far his toughest test to date. Hard to see him winning but is going well enough to figure in the minor placings.

13. Nugget (1) – $20
Jockey – Damien Oliver 59kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Ran Detonator Jack to a length before winning three on end. Ran a huge race in the CF Orr two back before leading and weakening to finish fifth behind Alligator Blood last start. Wouldn’t mind guessing they take a sit from the rails draw here and won’t be surprised if he runs a cheeky race. Don’t overlook.

14. Keats (4) – $71
Jockey – Craig Newitt 59kg
Trainer – Gavin Bedggood

Pass mark first up in the Carlyon Cup behind Pounding before stealing a break and only being run down late in the Peter Young Stakes last time out. Should get an economical run on speed from the good draw but will find this a lot harder than recent outings and looks a bit outclassed under the weight-for-age conditions.

15. Sheeza Belter (13) – $13
Jockey – William Pike 54kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden

Ridden upside down and backfired first up in the Light Fingers before a much better effort second up in the Surround Stakes. Punters, myself included, were in the queue and ready to collect at the furlong last Saturday in the Coolmore Classic when she strode up outside the leader at the furlong, only to fall short and go down a neck. No doubt she is flying, but is on the seven day back up here and has to take on some classy older gallopers now. 

16e. The Fortune Teller (16) – $71
Jockey – N/A 56kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Ran well in the Autumn Stakes first up before an even effort in the Australian Guineas last time out. Takes on the older gallopers now and looks to be outclassed here.

Final Word

Great race, but pretty keen on one here in I’m Thunderstruck. No, he hasn’t been the kindest horse to punters of late, but feel he’s had excuses in slowly run races/ on speed dominated affairs.


He steps up to the mile now, in a bigger field which should generate a stronger tempo, and he loves The Valley. Daniel Moor takes over from Jamie Kah and he won’t have to do much from the gate, other than find cover and let him unleash his dynamite turn of foot on the home turn.

Mr Brightside is the danger for mine. Both runs back this prep have been nothing short of breathtaking and he’s another who should appreciate the step up to 1600m. He’s unbeaten at the Moonee Valley mile and gets the winkers reapplied here. Only concern is the low draw and where he ends up in the run, as he’s been racing better ridden cold.

No knock Alligator Blood, but feel he’ll have a lot more company up front here than recent outings. In saying that, he was super first up in the Futurity and will be rock hard fit, as the Waterhouse/ Bott runners always are. 

Laws Of Indices doesn’t win out of turn but is racing well, Alenquer brings some very strong form lines from overseas and a market watch is advised, and both My Oberon and Nugget can improve at odds. Hard to leave the old boy Cascadian out of calculations, after a nice return in the Canterbury Stakes, but will have a bit to do from the wide gate.

All Star Mile TipLogo

1. I’m Thunderstruck – Win ($6.00)

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*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

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2022 All Star Mile Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

First run in 2019, the All Star Mile is, as its name suggests, a 1600m special conditions race worth a whopping $5m. This year’s WFA feature will be held at Flemington racecourse. 

The 15 horse field is primarily decided by votes cast by racing fans, with the 10 most popular horses securing a start in the race. The other 5 runners are wild card entries. Last year’s ASM was taken out by the Kris Lee’s trained, Mugatoo.

There is no doubt this year’s race lives up to its name, as an all star lineup awaits us. Looking at the market, Dabble has three time G1 winner, Zaaki, favourite at $3.40. Blamey Stakes winner Inspirational Girl, and boom 3YO, Pinstriped, are both on the next line at $6.00. Whereas Golden Eagle winner I’m Thunderstruck is closely behind, at $6.50.

However, the chances don’t stop there, and as we so often find out with racing, anything can happen. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 All Star Mile along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. I’m Thunderstruck (1) – $6.50
Jockey – Jye McNeil 59kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr

$7.5m Golden Eagle winner last prep, who was good against the pattern first up in the G1 CF Orr. He then stepped out in the G1 Futurity Stakes last start, and had no luck whatsoever. He now steps to the Flemington mile third up, which looks a perfect stepping stone, but has come up with barrier 1. For most horses this would be a positive, but with this blokes racing pattern, it seems less than ideal. If McNeil can get him off the fence before the turn, and get him into clear air at the right time, he will be very hard to beat.

2. Zaaki (15) – $3.40F
Jockey – Jamie Kah 59kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham


Race favourite, who was good first up in the G2 Blamey Stakes, albeit in slow overall time. It was a last minute decision to run there, as Randwick was under water. He should derive plenty of benefit from that run, and will be looking to turn the tables here. He’s drawn the outside gate, but will roll forward, and from the forgiving Flemington mile start, shouldn’t have too many hard luck stories. Will look the winner for a long way.

3. Cascadian (6) – $20
Jockey – Damien Oliver 59kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Grand old galloper who ran well in last week’s Australian Cup without much luck. His other two runs this prep have been good, finishing 3rd in the G1 CF Orr first up, before taking out the G2 Peter Young Stakes. 7 day back up suggests he’s pulled up well, and the drop back to a mile is no issue. He’s had three goes at the Flemington mile, all in G1 company, and is yet to miss a place. From the good gate, there is no reason he can’t keep that record intact here. Chance at odds.

4. Streets of Avalon (3) – $91
Jockey – Zac Spain 59kg
Trainer – Shane Nichols

Ran well first up in the Australia Stakes behind speedstar, Marabi. Wasn’t far away second up in the G1 Futurity. Steps up to the mile now, which in the past, has been a challenge. Will roll forward from the good gate, but it is hard to see him figuring here.

5. Lunar Fox (14) – $81
Jockey – Craig Newitt 59kg
Trainer – Paul Preusker

Won the G1 Australian Guineas this track/distance last year. Hasn’t done much in two runs this prep, and it’s hard to include him on that recent form. 

6. King Magnus (5) – $81
Jockey – Lachlan King 59kg
Trainer – Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock

Pass mark first up behind Corner Pocket, before another decent effort last start in the G2 Blamey. Drawn to get a nice run here, but would prefer him in something a bit easier.

7. Callsign Mav (10) – $51
Jockey – Ben Allen 59kg
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

Almost got the job done first up in the G3 Carlyon Cup at Caulfield, before racing handy and weakening in last week’s Australian Cup. Drop back to 1600m suits, but he needs to find a few lengths to be in the finish here.

8. Mr Brightside (2) – $18
Jockey – Craig Williams 59kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Resumed with a very good effort here at Flemington behind Corner Pocket. He then led them up, and held on to finish 4th in the G2 Blamey. That race was an absolute sit and sprint, which aided his chances, but his run was good nonetheless. Ran 4th in the G1 Cantala last Spring at this track/distance, but this is his first go at WFA and by far his biggest test. 

9. Icebath (9) – $23
Jockey – Fred Kersley 57kg
Trainer – Brad Widdup

Honest mare who resumed with a good run in the G2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick. She was then sent out an odds on favourite in the G2 Guy Walter, and was only fair, on what was a bottomless track. Was beaten a lip in the G1 Cantala last Spring, and will appreciate the Flemington mile here once again. She’s often labelled a ‘wet tracker’ but I think she will appreciate the dryer surface here, and is capable of running top 4.

10. Tofane (7) – $14
Jockey – Jamie Mott 57kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney


Resumed a brilliant winner of the G1 CF Orr Stakes, before running another bold race in the G1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield. Yet to win past 1400m, but was beaten 1L in last year’s G1 Makybe Diva Stakes. The Moroney stable is on fire, and she loses nothing with underrated hoop Jamie Mott taking over here. Drawn well and is proven at WFA. Has to be considered.

11. Sierra Sue (13) – $20
Jockey – John Allen 57kg
Trainer – Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young

Comes through the same form lines as Tofane. Finished a good 4th to that mare first up in the G1 CF Orr, before turning the tables last start in the G1 Futurity. Her form on paper at a mile reads fair, but she is a winner over 1750m. Draws 13, which isn’t ideal, and she may have to be ridden cold to produce her best. Needs a John Allen peach.

12. Inspirational Girl (4) – $6.00
Jockey – Damian Lane 57kg
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

Found the line well first up in the CF Orr, where the pattern was against. She then got the job done in brilliant style last start, winning the G2 Blamey Stakes here at Flemington. That race was run at a muddling tempo, and her late sectionals to win the race were phenomenal. She should peak here third up, draws well, and stays at her pet trip. Beat Zaaki last start, and can beat him again. Go close.

13. Captivant (11) – $34
Jockey – Patrick Moloney 56kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden 

Good in the G2 CS Hayes two back behind Pinstriped, before a fair effort in the G1 Australian Guineas. Ran 2nd to Anamoe in the Caulfield Guineas last Spring, and would need to find some of that form to be competitive here.

14. Lightsaber (12) – $16
Jockey – Luke Nolen 56kg
Trainer – Peter G Moody

Missed the start hopelessly in the G1 CF Orr two back, before putting it together in the G1 Australian Guineas, and finishing a strong 2nd. They ran good overall time on that occasion, and he proved he can run a strong mile. Will roll forward from the wide gate, and be in the mix for a long way.

15. Pinstriped (8) – $6.00
Jockey – Michael Dee 56kg
Trainer – Enver Jusufovic

Made it 3 from 3 winning the G2 CS Hayes Stakes two starts ago here at Flemington. He then finished an unlucky 5th in the G1 Australian Guineas. Stevie Wonder would’ve spotted his luckless performance on that occasion, and there is no doubt in my mind he should’ve finished top 3, if not won that race. He steps up to WFA now, which will be his biggest test to date, but is a capable type. 

Final Word

This year’s All Star Mile promises to be a great race going off the last start of the majority of these gallopers. Race favourite Zaaki resumed in good style, only to be outgunned late by Inspirational Girl in the G2 Blamey Stakes. Those two head the market here, and both look strong winning chances once again.


I’m Thunderstruck hasn’t had much go his way this prep, and looks primed to run a big race third up at the Flemington mile. Boom 3YO gelding, Pinstriped, was luckless in the G1 Australian Guineas, and looks more than capable of measuring up at WFA here. Lightsaber finished a strong second in that race, and Captivant wasn’t far away either. 

Iron mare Tofane is racing well, winning the G1 CF Orr first up, before finishing a good 3rd to Sierra Sue in the G1 Futurity Stakes. Both mares step up to the mile here, which is not their ideal trip, but can be more than competitive. 

Sydney mare, Icebath, finds herself back at Flemington, where she finished a close 2nd in last year’s G1 Cantala Stakes, and will be looking to go one better, and Godolphin’s warhorse, Cascadian, is not without a hope after a luckless run in the G1 Australian Cup.

Looking at the speed map, it looks as though the race should be run at a solid tempo. If that’s the case, the likes of Inspirational Girl, I’m Thunderstruck and Pinstriped should get their chance to run on. 

I’m going to put Inspirational Girl on top, on the sheer fact she’s drawn well and should be peaking third up here. Pinstriped no doubt looks to have plenty of upside, but feel this race may be an afterthought, and I’m Thunderstruck will need luck to go his way after drawing gate 1.

Best All Star Mile Tip: 12. Inspirational Girl – Each Way ($6.00/$2.25)

All Star Mile numbers: 12-1-15-2

If you need more news, information and tips, head over to our All Star Mile page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.