Flemington Race 8 – 17:10 AEDT
Open Group 1
1600m
Prize: $5,000,000.00
Good 4
Rail – Out 7m
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight (kg) | Barrier | Current Price |
| 1. Happy Clapper | Patrick Webster | Blake Shinn | 59.0 | 9 | $4.50 |
| 2. Hartnell | James Cummings | William Buick | 59.0 | 2 | $9.50 |
| 3. Material Man | Justin Warwick | Lucy Warwick | 59.0 | 10 | $26.00 |
| 4. Grunt | Mick Price | Damien Oliver | 59.0 | 15 | $17.00 |
| 5. Moss ‘N’ Dale | Peter Gelagotis | Jack Martin | 59.0 | 6 | $27.00 |
| 6. Foundry | T D Kelly | John Allen | 59.0 | 17 | |
| 7. Man of His Word | Dean Krongold | Damien Thornton | 59.0 | 18 | $101 |
| 8. Balf’s Choice | Ryan Balfour | Simon Price | 59.0 | 3 | $126 |
| 9. Mr Money Bags | Robbie Griffiths | Ben Melham | 59.0 | 5 | $91 |
| 10. Urban Ruler | Chris Munce | Jamie Mott | 59.0 | 8 | $151 |
| 11. Alizee | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 57.0 | 12 | $3.80 |
| 12. Hawkshot | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Mark Zahra | 56.0 | 4 | $11.00 |
| 13. Mystic Journey | Adam Trinder | Anthony Darmanin | 54.0 | 16 | $3.90 |
| 14. Amphitrite | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Craig Williams | 54.0 | 14 | $12.00 |
| 15. Le Romain | Kris Lees | 59.0 | 1 | $14.00 | |
| 16E. Trap For Fools | Jarrod Mclean | 59.0 | 11 | $21.00 | |
| 17E. Hellova Street | Scott Brunton | Jason Maskiell | 59.0 | 7 | $35.00 |
| 18E. He or She | M & L Cerchi | 59.0 | 13 | $101 |
Odds correct as of 9am Friday 15 March
Race Overview
The highly anticipated inaugural running of the All Star Mile has been widely critiqued for its field strength and has been likened to a popularity contest as punters voted and selected 10 of the final runners. In form runners like Land of Plenty and Fifty Stars were omitted whilst some runners such as Urban Ruler and Balf’s Choice made the cut. Nonetheless, the race is finally here and despite some runners having minimal chance, it looks to be a fantastic first edition of the All Star Mile.
Race Speed
Pace should be solid despite frontrunners Hellova Street and Trap For Fools unlikely to get a run. Hawkshot should lead them from a middle barrier and judging from his last few starts, he should go quickly. Hartnell and Le Romain should be able to punch up from the inside barriers and Mystic Journey will be wide and midfield. Alizee should be towards the rear.
Key Runners
- HAPPY CLAPPER ($4.50)
Has once again been the bridesmaid to Winx, finishing second behind the great mare in both runs this prep. Both runs were galliant efforts from “The Clapper”, particularly last start where he stretch the mare in a bold frontrunning effort. He’s in top form at the moment and is one of the main players here.
- HARTNELL ($10.00)
The old boy Hartnell is still ticking over nicely despite his age and Cummings will no doubt have him somewhere near his peak in the inaugural running of the ASM. He’s had two runs this prep, both of which have looked fair but will need to improve again here to be a major factor. Can’t dismiss the veteran!
- ALIZEE ($3.80)
Has won four on the trot including three sensational efforts this prep, including her last two wins where she’s had to overcome some trouble (tempo/position). Looks to be a deserved favourite here as she is an absolute superstar who is only getting better. Hugh Bowman on board a plus (despite some factoring in the ‘Winx’ factor).
- MYSTIC JOURNEY ($3.90)
The talented Tasmanian galloper has gone from strength to strength this prep and looks like an absolute superstar! Scored two Tassie wins to start the prep before going to Flemington and dominating the Australian Guineas by 2.3L bursting up the rail with an impressive sprint. Looks suited here again and tough to beat.
Race Selection
- MYSTIC JOURNEY ($3.90)
Despite Alizee and Happy Clapper no doubt posing huge threats here with both in imperious form, Mystic Journey presents with an untapped potential in this race as he looks to make it six wins on the trot. Draws wide but that could actually benefit here as there are a few inside horse which are likely to cause traffic issues in the straight.
