Tips Category: Cantala Stakes

The Champions Mile, which as its name suggests, is a 1600m Group 1 feature held at Flemington Racecourse on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Formerly known as the Cantala Stakes, the $3m weight for age contest has been taken out by some serious milers, including the Bob Peters owned, Superstorm, who was victorious last year.

The Everest runner up, Private Eye, heads the market for this year’s Champions Mile after a dominant win in the Winners Stakes last Saturday. He’s currently $3.10 with Dabble ahead of import, My Oberon, at $4.40. Old timer, Cascadian, is a $5.00 chance and Alligator Blood is also in the mix at $6.00.

If the market is any guide to this year’s Champions Mile, we might be in for a close and competitive race. 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 2022 Champions Mile along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Kolding (1) – $81
Jockey – Damien Oliver 59kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Veteran galloper who hasn’t set the world on fire in two runs back from a spell. Should appreciate the step up to 1600m here and will use no petrol from the inside gate, but have a few in front of him here.

2. Private Eye (5) – $3.10F
Jockey – Brenton Avdulla 59kg
Trainer – Joseph Pride

Unlucky not to win the Stradbroke prior to a spell. Destroyed his rivals first up here down the straight before an enormous effort in The Everest. Gave them windburn last Saturday in the Winners Stakes and comes here in career best form. Steps up to 1600m now, which is ideal, will enjoy a nice trail from the good gate and it’s hard to see him not going close on recent form.

How hot is the Champions Mile field!? This will be some race 🏇🏼 pic.twitter.com/LkeQsEUuwH

— The Leg Up Podcast (@TheLegUpAus) November 2, 2022

3. Cascadian (11) – $5.00
Jockey – James McDonald 59kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Continued his consistent form with a dominant win in the Craven Plate last start. He destroyed his rivals in the Hill Stakes the start prior. Has some good form at the Flemington mile and will be strong late. One of the main dangers to the favourite.

4. Alligator Blood (3) – $6.00
Jockey – Tim Clark 59kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Top liner who was brave when winning the Underwood three starts ago. Finished close up in the Caulfield Stakes and Cox Plate past two. Will appreciate the drop back to a mile here, where he is a G1 winner, and should be able to control the tempo from the low draw. Tough horse to get past on his day who looks well suited in this.

5. Mr Brightside (4) – $10
Jockey – Craig Williams 59kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Doncaster winner who was solid to the line last start in the Cox Plate. Gets back to his pet trip here, where he is a seven time winner, and has drawn a nice gate with in form hoop Craig Williams on board. Class should take him a long way in this and he’s capable of running top four.

6. Dalasan (2) – $91
Jockey – Michael Dee 59kg
Trainer – Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas

Got back and made some late headway in a race suited to leaders last start. Wasn’t far away in the Rupert Clarke the start prior. Has raced at the top level all his career but needs to find two or three lengths to be winning this.

7. Aegon (10) – $31
Jockey – Jamie Kah 59kg
Trainer – Andrew Forsman

Broke a long drought of outs last start, when he scraped home in the Moonga Stakes. He’s been kept fresh for this, and although a two time winner at the mile, feel he needs to find another gear to make it two wins in a row.

🚨MARKET OPEN🚨

Private Eye is the $3.60 favourite to take out Saturday’s Kennedy Champions Mile. pic.twitter.com/Vopzi84rvb

— TAB (@tabcomau) November 2, 2022

8. Tuvalu (8) – $11
Jockey – Jarrod Fry 59kg
Trainer – Lindsey Smith

Followed the leaders and held off the late challenge of Laws Of Indices for a much deserved G1 victory last start. Steps up to weight for age now but is yet to be unplaced in thirteen starts and should get a good run behind the speed. In the mix.

9. My Oberon (7) – $4.40
Jockey – John Allen 59kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Raised plenty of eyebrows at his Australian debut, winning the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley. Has some very good international form lines and has clearly settled in well down under. Should get a good run midfield, gets blinkers on to sharpen him up even more and is a five time winner at the mile. Plenty to like.

10. Kiss Sum (9) – $51
Jockey – Nash Rawiller 59kg
Trainer – Tracey Bartley

Lightly raced gelding who savaged the line first up in the Silver Eagle. Had the wallet open, ready to back him last weekend but he’s been saved for this. Needs to go to another level if he’s to win here second up but is worth following in easier races as he gets further into his prep.

11. Sinawann (6) – $101
Jockey – Ben Melham 59kg
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

Finished off ok last Saturday in the Linlithgow behind Old Flame. Not racing as well as he was when he first arrived in Australia at the end of last year, and will find this tougher than last Saturday. Capable on his day but not keen here.

Final Word

To put it simply, this year’s Champions Mile is an absolute cracker. The Everest form meets Cox Plate form in what looks to be a race for the ages. Hard to go past Private Eye on recent form. 

Private Eye has drawn barrier 5 in the G1 Champions Mile. 🏇🔥

The field:

1. Kolding (1)
2. Private Eye (5)
3. Cascadian (11)
4. Alligator Blood (3)
5. Mr Brightside (4)
6. Dalasan (2)
7. Aegon (10)
8. Tuvalu (8)
9. My Oberon (7)
10. Kiss Sum (9)
11. Sinawann (6)#Flemington pic.twitter.com/rx89Ly1qzs

— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) November 2, 2022

He was a dominant victor first up here at Flemington before going down narrowly in The Everest. He sat back and gave his rivals windburn late in the Winners Stakes last Saturday and looks well suited up to a mile at Flemington now. Looks to tick every box in the form guide and is clearly the one to beat.

Cascadian and My Oberon are the dangers. Both horses were strong last start winners. Cascadian has some brilliant form here at the Flemington mile and gets McDonald on top and My Oberon was ultra impressive at his Australian debut. He has some strong international form lines and can easily take the next step here.

Underwood Stakes winner, Alligator Blood, should get a soft enough lead here and can run a bold race in front, whilst Tuvalu is as honest as the day is long and Mr Brightside can run into the money dropping back from a hot Cox Plate.

Champions Mile Tip

2. Private Eye – Win ($3.10)

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

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

The Kennedy Cantala Stakes is here and we have done the form, analysed every runner and come up with our best tip for you! The 16-horse field is full of talent, with four mares choosing to race here rather than the Empire Rose, which is three races earlier on the card. The track is currently a Good(4) and we know how good Flemington’s drainage is, but there is rain pouring at the time of writing, so be sure to check the track report on Saturday morning.

Sportsbet currently, as of Thursday afternoon, has the four-year-old up-and-comer, Mr Brightside, as the $4.20 favourite. He comes into this race on the back of six straight wins, with Craig Williams staying on board at the minimum weight. Both Aramayo, who has good Sydney and International form, and Chaillot, who was last seen flashing home to win at Sandown five weeks ago, are on the next line of betting at $8.50

While there is a clear favourite and two others at single-figure odds, there are plenty of chances and we have analysed each and every runner for you! Read on below to find out runner by runner preview of the 2021 Cantala Stakes along with The Shark’s Cantala Stakes best tips. 

1. Zoutori (13) – $34
Jockey – Luke Currie
Trainer – Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra

Well, Zoutori certainly likes running at Flemington, considering he has finished in the top three in eight of his 14 runs at the track, but most of those are down the straight over 1200m. He is the top weight and up at a distance that doesn’t suit, compared to most others. 

What a ride from @jamieleekah07! 🔥🔥🔥

CASCADIAN wins the Doncaster Mile, edging out ICEBATH on the line 🥵

🎥 @SkyRacingAU pic.twitter.com/7VGvWOjOdG

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) April 10, 2021

2. Cascadian (15) – $12
Jockey – James McDonald
Trainer – James Cummings

How many runs can he have before he is in the never again basket. Cascadian is an absolute cat – fast and flashy finishes but leaving himself too much work to do. 1600m is certainly his go, but given he is carrying a lot more weight than some of the other chances, it is hard to be with him in the Cantala.. unless…

3. Superstorm (14) – $10
Jockey – Damien Oliver
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

What a prep Superstorm is having! From four runs he has finished no worse than 4th, including a win in the G2 Feehan Stakes and an eye-catching 3rd in the Toorak Handicap. He drops half a kilo from that run and doesn’t have I’m Thunderstruck or Tofane to worry about, meaning he should be one of the main chances. 

4. Riodini (10) – $10
Jockey – Rachel King
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Riodini is a fast horse and will ensure there is a solid tempo to chase in this race, along with Buffalo River. While he didn’t quite run to expectations in the Epsom, he did finish less than a length off Verry Elleegant two back in the George Main, and she has come out and run 3rd in a Cox Plate. He would prefer a bit of give in the track but if they are winning from the front, he is one of the main chances. 

5. Buffalo River (4) – $13
Jockey – Linda Meech
Trainer – Michael Moroney

After just getting run down on a good track two runs ago, Buffalo River showed that he is an absolute beast on rain affected ground, backing up a week later to win the Moonga Stakes. The issue is, despite some rain forecast, Flemington has the best drainage in the world and the track is extremely unlikely to be in the soft range, meaning his chances plumett. 

6. Aramayo (3) – $8.50
Jockey – Glen Boss
Trainer – Chris Waller

This Waller-trained six-year-old gelding is very interesting. Aramayo has returned to his best this prep, finishing 2nd to Zaaki first up, 3rd in the Bill Ritchie and then an unlucky 2nd in the Epsom, just being pipped by Private Eye. All of his best form is over 1600m, including Group One wins in Singapore, and Waller looks to have him primed for this fourth up, where he is 5:2-1-0. 

7. Icebath (16) – $11
Jockey – Jye McNeil
Trainer – Brad Widdup

After an incredible 1.4L win in The Invitation last week, Icebath is on the quick backup with just 53.5kg on her back. It isn’t the minimum in the race, but it is 3.5kg lighter than she had to carry last week. She did finish 9th in the Epsom two weeks prior to that, crossing the line almost 3L off Aramayo, but has to be respected. 

Icebath from last flies home to win the $2 million Invitation! ✉️@BWiddupRacing @KPMcEvoy @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/ro41mgwVTl

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 23, 2021

8. Lunar Fox (7) – $31
Jockey – Brett Prebble
Trainer – Paul Preusker

Will he continue to be respected in the market for his Australian Guineas win at 301/1. He has finished 9th, 5th and 6th this time around and that win isn’t just his only win from 11 tries under Paul Preusker, it is the only time he has placed as well. 

9. Kahma Lass (1) – $27
Jockey – Michael Dee
Trainer – Jamie Richards

A very interesting Kiwi runner, and she is definitely over the odds at $27. She is a last-start winner, beating Buffalo River, who is $13 for this race. That win was over seven furlongs and she will be better over eight, which she has here today. She is top two in both of her third up runs, including a win, drops down to the minimum weight and the camp can’t speak highly enough of her heading into this run. 

10. Quantum Mechanic (9) – $18
Jockey – Craig Newitt
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)

Chose this race over the Empire Rose due to getting in on the minimum and if her run in the Toorak is anything to go off, Quantum Mechanic is definitely a chance here. She is 3:2-0-1 fourth up, 1600m is her pet distance and she drops half a kilo from that Toorak run. Superstorm did beat her home on that day, but she was held up behind a slowing Second Slip and had to change lines and lost her momentum, indicating that she would have beat the $10 chance for this race to the line. 

11. Chaillot (12) – $8.50
Jockey – Declan Bates
Trainer – Archie Alexander

Another mare to come here instead of the Empire Rose, Chaillot hasn’t been seen since an impressive (it was more than impressive, as you can see below) win against the bias at Sandown in the Testa Rossa, on Underwood Stakes day. She is your typical get-back horse that has been kept fresh for a reason, she is 4/4 when first up. The big track will help but how quick will they be going up front and how far back will she be?

WHAT. A. WIN! 😍

Chaillot is a very talented mare for @archi3alexander and @OTIRacing. pic.twitter.com/bVsARf5Zpj

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 25, 2021

12. Just Folk (2) – $27
Jockey – Dean Holland
Trainer – Joshua Julius

Just Folk is on the quick back-up after a shock win in the Crystal Mile last week, but was that race actually any good? Begood Toya Mother hasn’t won in two years while Elephant was well and truly overdue for a spell, and she only just beat them. She has to be respected, dropping from 59kg to 52kg here, but was 4.2L off Mr Brightside just two runs ago, which won’t be good enough here. 

13. Romancer (8) – $51
Jockey – Will Price
Trainer – Grahame Begg

Romancer finished 5L off Just Folk last Saturday and we just said that mare has no chance. He will run much better at Flemington, but we’ve given a pretty clear indication for what we think of this eight-year-old gelding based on the formlines. 

14. Mr Brightside (6) – $4.20
Jockey – Craig Williams
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Mr Brightside comes into this race as the favourite, on the back of six straight wins. However, he has never run at group level before, and this will be the eighth run of his preparation. It screams a bit of Lombardo in the Manikato Stakes, a horse that has been winning comfortably against weak opposition and then may get found out with the spotlights shining bright. You obviously can’t beat winning form, but who has he beat over his winning streak? The minimum weight helps him here and he will get a cushy run just off the speed, but we are happy to bet around as he may not actually be that good. 

15. King Magnus (11) – $27
Jockey – Dean Yendall
Trainer – Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock

Another interesting price differential with King Magnus finishing less than a length of Buffalo River last start but is now double his price, and King Magnus can actually run on dry tracks. He has been very consistent this prep and is always there abouts, but don’t know if his form stacks up to this. 

16. Flash Aah (5) – $151
Jockey – Madeleine Wishart
Trainer – Matt Kropp

Madeleine Wishart has come down from Queensland to continue riding Flash Aah in this race, but it is hard to see him competing. He does have form around Apache Chase, who is a red hot chance in the Golden Eagle today, so maybe if he wins then you could have a speck here at odds, but realistically was 2.1L and 5.5L off that horse in his last two attempts. 

Final Word

The Cantala Stakes sets up to be an absolute belter of the race and one that could either make your quaddie turn into a big pay-day or see you rubbed out with a rank outsider. We have already indicated that we are happy to go against Mr Brightside in this one, not thinking that he will be up to a tough Group One in his eighth run this prep plus the favourite hasn’t won since 2013. It is also interesting to see some mares choose to run with the minimum in this race rather than go against their own gender in the Empire Rose. However, only three mares have won the race since 2000, indicating that the minimum weight may not be enough to swing the odds in their favour. 

If we are happy to leave out the mares when looking for a winner, we turn our attention to finding a fit horse that we know will compete at the level, will be able to run on any surface (in case the rain actually comes) and will relish the Flemington conditions. Riodini and Buffalo River look to insert some pace into the race, meaning we can see some swoopers come into action. Another key indicator is the weight, given this is a handicap race. Over the last nine years, only two horses have been able to win carrying less than 55kg. That only leaves the top four horses in the market.

That leaves us with two – that aren’t mares, won’t be up on the pace, have a good finish, carrying 55kg or heavier and have a wide draw – Cascadian and Superstorm. We have mentioned how much of a cat Cascadian is, but the JMac/Godolphin combo is hard to ignore. However, we are going with Superstorm. He has won at 1600m already this prep, came third in the Toorak Handicap, where the first two from that are favourites in their respective races today, and he will relish the conditions at Flemington with a wide open track and long straight to burst home down. 

Given Sportsbet will be offering a bonus back to fifth, we will definitely take the extra security since it is a 16-horse field and it is a very even race! However, given how much we rate this WA-raider, we like our chances that we will come out with a big-odds winner, or a bonus bet as a worst case scenario. 

Best Cantala Stakes Tip: Superstorm – Win ($10)

Don’t stop there, the Cantala Stakes is one of just seven feature races across both Flemington and Rosehill this Saturday! We have done a runner-by-runner preview on all seven, so you just need to read, agree, place your bets and watch the winnings come in:

• Golden Eagle – Analysis Here!

• Victoria Derby – Analysis Here!

• Coolmore Stud Stakes – Analysis Here!

• Empire Rose Stakes – Analysis Here!

• Classique Legend (Winner) Stakes – Analysis Here!

• Rosehill Gold Cup – Analysis Here!

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Cantala Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.

The fourth and final Group 1 on Derby Day is as wide open as it gets, with $6 the field on offer for punters in the 2020 Kennedy Cantala Stakes (1600m).

Let’s cast our eyes over this evenly matched field and attempt to secure a fill up…

1 – Fifty Stars – $12 ???

Would’ve liked some more rain to come, but this galloper looks ready to peak third up at his pet track, where he’s 4 wins from 8 attempts. Outstanding third up record and it’s easy to have him on your side at the double figure quote.

2 – Mr Quickie – $6 ???

It finally fell into place for Mr Quickie, who broke through a bit of a lean patch and took out the Toorak Handicap last start. Could get a similar run here, will be kept out of trouble from the wide gate and will have plenty of time to wind up down the straight. No luxury with the price but is a major player.

The Toorak Handicap goes to MR QUICKIE and @jamieleekah07 ? pic.twitter.com/7FEcvzhxLH

— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) October 10, 2020

3 – Olmedo – $34 ?

Imported French galloper for the Waller camp who hits this first up at big odds. J Mac on is a big sign of intent, could be worth throwing into your numbers for exotics.

4 – Wild Planet – $11 ?

Really like the way this horse is going, not sure I like W Pike on for this horse up on the speed, and the mile still has to be some question mark. It’s a decent each way price and if you like the horse, then I wouldn’t talk you out of backing it in an open race.

Lightning! Wild Planet gets up in a thriller to capture the Group 3 Neds Moonga S. at Caulfield. Wild Planet’s 5th stakes win takes his earnings to $750k after being sold for $280k to @HawkesRacing & @AWilliamsBldstk at the 2017 @inglis_sales Easter. #ItPaysToBuyAustralian pic.twitter.com/I9880IqxMg

— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) October 17, 2020

5 – Yulong Prince – $14

Coming out of the Epsom where he ran well, and has to be in with some sort of chance, though he looks to be running into a few that may be too good for him on the day.

6 – Best Of Days – $21

One win from eleven attempts at Group 1 level, and was well beaten by a few in this field last start, looking to others.

7 – Cascadian – $21

Hasn’t got a great record on Good surfaces and has been up for a whole this preparation without success, looking around him.

8 – I Am Superman – $27

Looks more of a 1400m type, and not sure he’s quite up to winning a big Group 1 at this stage, the price is about right.

9 – Rock – $11 ???

Won well at Newcastle over 1500m and his run in the Epsom Handicap last start was full of merit, clocking some slick closing sectionals. The jockey and barrier may be slight negatives, but at his best he’s right in this.

Watch ROCK (Orange Silks) cruise to victory in the Cameron Hcp. He is a 6/1 chance tomorrow night in the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick for trainer Kris Lees. @TVG @CandiceHare_
Entries: https://t.co/foyXPyQzVM
Free PPs: https://t.co/8qDay7WPSb pic.twitter.com/e6uc1yp4J9

— Sky Racing World (@SkyRacingWorld) October 1, 2020

10 – Streets Of Avalon – $101

Ran well fresh this prep, but that’s all the way back in July, and he hasn’t looked near it his last few runs. Price tells the tale.

11 – The Velvet King – $41

More of a 1400m type over from the west, looking to others here but it is a big price.

12 – Age Of Chivalry – $21

Doubt him at the mile at this level, happy to be against him here.

13 – Buffalo River – $8.50 ???

Was honest last start and just got run down by Mr Quickie. Getting a bit of a better price here and he has had success at Flemington previously. Willo sticking is positive, ticks a lot of boxes and must go in everything.

14 – Chief Ironside – $26 ?

Looks to map well and has to be a knockout chance at these odds, more than worth including in exotics.

15 – Nonconformist – $13 ???

Interesting setup this, winning at 2000m and now back to the mile. Talented young horse who looked like a Caulfield Cup chance at one stage. Is well down in the weights and could give you a good sight with things going its way in transit

Coongy Raider! 2nd Group success for @Grahame_Begg’s Nonconformist in the time honoured (1898) @NedsAus Coongy Cup at Caulfield. The Henwood family bred & raced 4YO is by the late Vic Derby winner, Rebel Raider (4 SWs) & related to Hong Kong Horse of the Year Sacred Kingdom pic.twitter.com/lIfmkqriOc

— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) October 14, 2020

16 – King’s Legacy – $21

I’m happy to be against King’s Legacy, won a few cheap Group 1s the end of last prep and hasn’t showed up in its three-year-old season, this appears an afterthought after its Caulfield Guineas flop.

17e – Reykjavik – $51 ?

If it gets a run there are definitely worse bets in the field, include in exotics if it lines up.

18e – Junipal – $23

Disappointing last start, would need to swiftly bounce back if it makes the field.

19e – Harbour Views – $27 ?

Unlikely to start but would include in exotics.

20e – Reloaded – $67

Doubtful to get a run.

Tip: 1-2-9-13/15

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

*Odds accurate at time of posting