Twelve horses are poised to charge out for the sixth edition of the lucrative $4 million All-Star Mile, returning to Caulfield for the second time this Saturday.
A High-Quality Field Despite Smaller Size:
While the field size may be smaller than in previous years, Racing Victoria emphasizes the exceptional quality of the participants. Each runner boasts a rating above 100, the highest average in the race’s history. Six Group 1 winners, including the race favorite Mr Brightside with barrier 11, will be vying for victory, although it’s the second-lowest number to compete. As Racing Victoria points out, prominent contenders like Alligator Blood, Attrition, Duais, and Aegon were unfortunately sidelined by injuries or setbacks.
Intrigue Abounds for Race Fans:
Matt Welsh, Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager – Racing, anticipates a race brimming with possibilities:
Can Mr Brightside defend his title against the highly-rated Pride Of Jenni (barrier 6)?
Will Cascadian (barrier 7), last year’s runner-up, finally claim the top prize?
Can the New Zealand challengers, Puntura (barrier 4) and Desert Lightning (barrier 8), cause an upset?
Or will there be a surprise victory from another contender?
Building Excitement for the Race:
“The All-Star Mile has already sparked plenty of discussion,” Welsh said, “and now it’s time to debate who will win the race.”
“We think the All-Star Mile will be an enthralling spectacle with the dynamic of the field assembled. The best races are those when we have a genuine tempo and that is assured at Caulfield on Saturday,” he added.
Starting Positions Revealed:
Pinstriped, entering the All-Star Mile for the first time, drew the coveted barrier one. Perth’s Dom To Shoot will start from the widest gate (12). Last year’s runner-up, Cascadian, has barrier seven, while New Zealand’s Puntara and Desert Lightning secured barriers four and eight, respectively.
With a captivating mix of established champions, rising stars, and the potential for an underdog story, the All-Star Mile promises to be an edge-of-your-seat experience. Don’t miss the action this Saturday at Caulfield!
Another lucrative payday awaits Mr Brightside as he lines up for the All-Star Mile at Caulfield, looking to add to his already substantial prize money tally.
The training partnership of brothers Ben, Will, and J D Hayes are experiencing a dream come true with champion galloper Mr Brightside in their stable.
The New Zealand-bred horse has delivered impressive results, amassing 16 victories from 31 starts – six of them at Group 1 level. Mr Brightside’s success has significantly contributed to the revitalization of Lindsay Park, which had seen a decline in horse numbers following the departures of David Hayes (their father) to Hong Kong and later, cousin Tom Dabernig.
Mr Brightside isn’t just a champion on the track, but also a financial powerhouse for Lindsay Park. With nearly $12.5 million in prize money earned so far, he’ll be chasing another $2 million payday in the upcoming All-Star Mile at Caulfield this Saturday, where he’s the clear favorite at $1.80 odds.
Last year, the gelding triumphed in both the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley and the prestigious Doncaster Mile at Randwick.
Reflecting on Mr Brightside’s remarkable journey, Ben Hayes admits they never expected the horse to become a $12.5 million earner and land a spot in the top six of all-time money earners.
“If you asked J D, Will or I, we’ve had a giggle with him,” Hayes said. “We’re living the dream. We’re so lucky to have the horse and we now have to focus on placing him and keeping him as happy as possible.”
At the age of six, Mr Brightside has reached a new level of performance this year. In just eight starts since last August, he’s secured five victories, four of them at Group 1 level, with only three runner-up finishes, including the prestigious Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
Hayes observes that Mr Brightside’s maturity has not only translated to better race results, but also a more impressive work ethic on the training track. He mentioned a recent training session at Lindsay Park’s Euroa property (where the gelding spends most of his time between races) that particularly delighted him and his brothers.
Imperatriz, the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes winner, is set to make her second-up appearance after a three-month break. In her first-up race, she was the favorite and displayed remarkable prowess by tracking the speed and maintaining a steady pace, ultimately clinching victory by a head at this very track in the G1 Lightning over 1000m. Her previous second-up performance showcased her resilience as she rallied from a disadvantaged position to secure victory at Moonee Valley in the G1 Moir Stks over 1000m. As a star mare, Imperatriz faces a new challenge in this race, and her past achievements speak volumes of her capabilities.
2. Bella Nipotina (4):
Having claimed victory in the Manikato Stakes, Bella Nipotina is on her second run back after a three-month hiatus. In her recent first-up race, she finished 4th at this track in the G1 Lightning over 1000m, trailing Imperatriz by 0.9 lengths. Bella Nipotina’s previous second-up performance saw her securing the 3rd position at Randwick in the G2 Premiere over 1200m. With her consistent performances, she is anticipated to be a strong contender in the upcoming race.
3. Buenos Noches (8):
Buenos Noches, a multiple Group 1 placegetter, is making her second run back after a three-month break. In her first-up race, she showcased an impressive display by surging from last on the turn to secure the 4th position at Randwick in the G2 Expressway over 1200m. Her previous second-up performance saw her finishing 3rd at Randwick in the G2 The Shorts over 1100m. Buenos Noches’ remarkable comeback in her first-up race indicates her potential to perform well in the upcoming event.
5. Ruthless Dame (2):
Ruthless Dame, the winner of the Robert Sangster Stakes, is returning from a spell. In her last preparation, she finished seventh at Rosehill Golden Eagle over 1500m. Her previous first-up race saw her finishing seventh at Randwick in the G2 The Shorts over 1100m. Ruthless Dame’s past achievements position her as a potential contender for a place in the upcoming race.
6. Magic Time (10):
Magic Time, the winner of the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, is back from a spell. In her last campaign, she claimed victory at Caulfield in the G1 Rup Clarke over 1400m. Upon resuming, she finished fifth at Caulfield in the G3 The Heath 1100 over 1100m. With her talent and past successes, Magic Time appears to be well-placed for the upcoming race.
7. The Astrologist (12):
The Astrologist, a multiple Group 1 placegetter, faced tough competition in her recent races, finishing second last in the G1 Lightning over 1000m and fifth in the G3 Standish over 1200m. Considering her recent performances, it might be prudent to explore other options in this race.
8. Benedetta (9):
Benedetta, a Group 3 winner, is on her second run back after a four-month break. In her recent first-up race, she made some headway from midfield to secure the fourth position at Caulfield in the G1 Oakleigh Plt over 1100m. Her previous second-up performance saw her clinching victory at Caulfield in the G3 Cockram over 1200m. With her consistent performances, Benedetta could be a contender for a place in the upcoming race.
9. It’sourtime (1):
It’sourtime, a Group 3 winner, is making her first-up appearance. In her last campaign, she finished third at this track in the LR Mss Security over 1200m. Upon resuming, she secured the second position at this track in Bm90 over 1200m. However, uncertainties loom over her chances in this competitive field.
10. Master Fay (8):
Master Fay, a Group 3 winner, is set to make his third-up appearance after a 42-day break. In his recent races, he claimed victory at Tauranga Rating 75 over 1200m and Ellerslie G3 Concorde over 1200m. Despite his winning form, the tough competition in this race presents a significant challenge for Master Fay.
12. Sghirripa (6):
Sghirripa, a Group 3 winner, faced tough competition in his recent races, finishing seventh in the G1 Oakleigh Plt over 1100m and claiming victory at this track in the G3 Standish over 1200m. With a better draw in this race, Sghirripa emerges as a strong each-way hope.
13. Skew Wiff (5):
Skew Wiff, the winner of the Tarzino Trophy, is making her second-up appearance. In her recent races, she finished thirteenth in the G1 Oakleigh Plt over 1100m and claimed victory at Hastings G1 Tarzino Trpy over 1400m. However, her chances in this race appear slim.
14. Cylinder (11):
Cylinder, a multiple Group 2 winner, is on her second-up appearance after a four-month break. In her recent race, she finished sixth in the G1 Lightning over 1000m and claimed victory at Rosehill G2 Run To Rose over 1200m. While she has the potential to improve, the competitive field poses a challenge for Cylinder.
Speed map
Finding early speed or leaders in the upcoming race seems challenging. Imperatriz notably led in the Manikato and the Lightning, but with 58kg, the question arises whether they are willing to take that potential risk. Master Fay showcased speed in a recent Flemington jumpout. Apart from these contenders, identifying a clear frontrunner is difficult. Perhaps The Astrologist could emerge as a possibility?
Tips
1 Imperatriz
A victory here would unquestionably solidify her status as a champion. Her comeback in the Lightning was nothing short of spectacular as she led from start to finish. Despite facing a formidable opponent in Private Eye, she showcased remarkable bravery, finding another gear and finishing strongest to secure the win. If she can carry top weight and triumph in this race, she will undoubtedly reinforce her champion status. However, from a betting perspective, I am hesitant to take this proposition.
3 Buenos Noches
Matty Smith faces a three-week gap between runs since his comeback in the Expressway at Randwick. In that race, I felt he was ridden too conservatively, setting him an almost insurmountable challenge. Despite finishing strongly, he never posed a serious threat for victory. Notably, he has performed well down the straight before and has been specifically prepared for this race. He could prove to be a formidable contender.
1. Militarize (4): This Golden Rose Stakes winner has shown impressive form, particularly in his last run where he finished second in the G2 Apollo. With more fitness under his belt, he’s expected to perform well over this distance.
2. Tom Kitten (8): Despite finishing 5th in the G2 Hobartvlle last time out, Tom Kitten has the potential to make a strong finish, especially given his history of performing well third-up. Expect him to be charging home late.
3. Celestial Legend (11): With a win in the G2 Hobartvlle last start, Celestial Legend is showing promise. With untapped potential, he’s one to watch for a late swooping move.
4. Encap (10): Encap has been consistent, finishing 3rd in the G2 Hobartvlle last start. With a genuine chance off the back of that performance, he shouldn’t be overlooked.
5. Ganbare (5): While Ganbare faded to 7th in the G2 Hobartvlle, his previous form suggests he’s a solid top-three hope. Keep an eye on him, especially considering his past achievements.
6. Les Vampires (2): Les Vampires has shown promise, winning at Canterbury and finishing 3rd in the G2 Hobartvlle. With a nice draw, he’s worth considering for a strong showing.
7. Fukubana (3): Fukubana hasn’t shown the same level of form as some of the other contenders, finishing 4th in the G2 Hobartvlle last start. Place prospects may be slim for him in this race.
8. Ducasse (9): Despite a strong win at Warwick Farm, Ducasse finished 8th in the G2 Hobartvlle. With a wide draw, this race might be too testing for him.
9. Ceowulf (1): Ceowulf hasn’t shown exceptional form recently, but he shouldn’t be underestimated, especially considering his previous performances.
10. Cafe Millennium (7): While Cafe Millennium has shown some promise in recent trials and races, the competition in this field might be too tough for him to contend with.
11. Cosmic Lad (6): Like Cafe Millennium, Cosmic Lad has attracted attention in trials but hasn’t shown the same level of form in races. He might struggle against this field.
Speed map
Considering the speed map, the GaiBott pair of Ganbare and Les Vampires, along with Cosmic Lad, are expected to set the pace. It will be interesting to see how the race unfolds, with contenders like Militarize and Celestial Legend likely to make late charges.
Tips
MILITARIZE (1), the victor of the Golden Rose Stakes, showcased a strong performance in his recent outing, finishing second at this very track over 1400m in a Group 2 race held on soft terrain. Demonstrating notable capability, he stands a solid chance of being in contention. CELESTIAL LEGEND (3), a Group 2 titleholder, delivered a commanding victory last time out at Rosehill, triumphing by a substantial 2-length margin. His impressive figures indicate his suitability for this challenge. TOM KITTEN (2), winner of the Spring Champion Stakes, settled in the middle of the pack in his previous race at Rosehill, which was contested on soft ground where he was favored. With today’s extended journey, he remains a potential contender. LES VAMPIRES (6), a Group 2 placegetter, secured a podium finish in his recent outing at Rosehill and is expected to be sharper for his prior endeavors, offering an enticing each-way opportunity. ENCAP (4), boasting Group 1 credentials, is a progressive contender likely to feature prominently once more in the closing stages.
Newmarket weights to determine whether Espiona’s next assignment.
Chris Wallerwill study the weights for this Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap before deciding whether Espionaruns in the $1.5 million event at Flemington or returns to Sydney.
The daughter of Extreme Choice caught the eye late when steaming home into third placing in the 1000-metre Black Caviar Lightning, won by Imperatriz.
The star Kiwi mare was late last week confirmed as a Newmarket starter, where she is expected to be 58kg topweight, and Waller said how Espiona measures up against her and some of the other better-performed nominations will determine whether she takes her place in the 1200m race.
“I just want to see not what weight she gets, but how she fares in the weights against the other horses,” Waller said.
If Waller opts against running in the Newmarket, she will most likely appear in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.
The five-year-old was one of 13 nominations for that $750,000 event, which will herald the return of The Everest winner Think About It, and Waller would not have too much issue seeing her jump from the 1000m of the Lightning to 1300m second-up.
“I don’t see 1300 metres being much of a problem, I think it is a good distance for her,” he said.
“Her first-up run was terrific. She is effective now both ways as well as up the straight.”
Espiona is one of two Canterbury Stakes nominations for Waller, who also has Golden Slipper winner Shinzoentered.
The valuable son of Snitzel has not started since his third placing in the Coolmore Stud Stakes third placing and Waller tossing up whether he is ready for the 1300m first-up.
“I’ve still got to make a decision if Shinzo is quite ready for it,” he said.
Shinzo had had two trials this preparation, a third over 900m at Randwick on February 8 before a sixth placing in an 850m trial at Randwick a fortnight later.
Mr. Brightside showcased his resilience and determination in clinching victory in the opening Group 1 event of the autumn season at Caulfield.
The CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday unfolded as a grueling test of endurance, with the weight-for-age contest characterized by a relentless pace.
Initially slow off the mark, Mr. Brightside swiftly made up lost ground to position himself midfield, trailing by approximately six lengths behind the front-runner, Pride Of Jenni, who set the early tempo ahead of Buffalo River.
Despite trailing by a significant margin as the race entered its crucial stages, the Lindsay Park-trained runner, a prideful asset to the stable overseen by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, refused to concede defeat. With Craig Williams urging him on, Mr. Brightside, the favored contender at $1.95, gradually closed the gap on Pride Of Jenni ($9), ultimately securing victory by a narrow margin of a short half-head, with Buffalo River ($61) finishing just a head behind in third place.
J D Hayes praised Mr. Brightside as a valuable asset for the emerging trainers embarking on their professional journeys, expressing optimism for a successful autumn campaign.
“This could mark the beginning of a promising autumn season,” Hayes remarked. “Historically, he hasn’t fared well in autumn debut races, so this victory holds special significance. He’s matured as a competitor, and we had unwavering confidence in his abilities.”
Looking ahead, Hayes outlined Mr. Brightside’s upcoming schedule, confirming plans for appearances in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 24, followed by the prestigious All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 16, and concluding with the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington two weeks later.
“All signs point in that direction, and we remain hopeful that he’ll continue to deliver stellar performances,” Hayes added.
Reflecting on the challenging journey to the finish line, Williams emphasized the demanding nature of guiding Mr. Brightside to victory.
“He’s typically a spirited character, full of energy, which can sometimes pose a challenge,” Williams explained. “Today, he exhibited some of that cheekiness at the start, which required careful handling.”
Williams praised Mr. Brightside’s adaptability during the race, highlighting his ability to respond under pressure and exhibit a relentless drive to succeed.
“Despite facing formidable tactics from our competitors, Mr. Brightside’s resilience shone through,” Williams remarked. “He possesses an unwavering determination, and I’m eager to commend him for his outstanding performance.”
Promising filly Karavas completed a successful week for South Australian horses at Flemington with her win in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes on Thursday.
It was the second win in three years in the feature for the Richard and Chantelle Jolly stable and capped a massive six days in the saddle for Jake Toeroek.
The lethal combination claimed last weekend’s Listed John Letts Cup at Morphettville with Pudding, one of two winners for the leading rider on the day, Toeroek’s third win in succession in the race.
They followed up with four winners at Morphettville on Melbourne Cup Day, the leading rider grabbing a fifth win with Sabermetric.
That form flowed to Flemington where Karavasstamped herself as a filly with a bright future dominating down the straight to make it two wins from as many starts.
“She’s a real athletic filly, well-muscled. She always looked like she’d go early,” Richard Jolly said.
“She had the benefit of that run at Murray Bridge.
“People disregard our form a bit, good on them, she started good odds,” he said.
Jolly said unlike their previous Ottawa winner See You In Heaven, Karavas was a filly who would be best suited over the short course.
“This girl is more precocious,” Jolly said.
“I feel this filly is going to be a sheer sprinting type.
“We can put her away now and aim at some nice races in the autumn,” he said.
Karavas’ win followed on from a big Melbourne Cup Day where Travis Doudle claimed the Schweppervescence Plate over 1000m with Damien Oliver riding, while Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray’s The Map scored an impressive win in the 2800m race with Jamie Kah in the saddle.
“By far and away the biggest thrill of my training career,” MacGillivray said.
“The Map is a very special to us,” she said.
Jamie Kah said it was a thrill to reunite with a stable who had been so crucial in her career in the early days.
“Riding a winner on Melbourne Cup Day is awesome, but (winning) for them it felt like winning a Melbourne Cup,” Kah said.
“I was always excited to ride this horse.
“The feel she gave was fantastic,” she said.
The hot SA form didn’t stop there with the Michael Hickmott trained, Fancify, finishing 2nd in the Three-Years-Old and Four-Years-Old, Fillies and Mares Race on Oaks Day while Kristi Evans trained, Platinum Wolf, ran a great race to finish 3rd in the Greys race on Cup day.
Mr Brightside will chase Group 1 honours in the Champions Mile at Flemington.
The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes would like a little luck to go their way in what has been a frustrating week at Flemington.
After Mr Brightside was touched out in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, the Hayes boys have suffered narrow losses with Apulia and Crosshaven earlier in Melbourne Cup week.
“With a bit of luck, we could be having a great Cup Carnival,” Ben Hayes said.
The Lindsay Park stable is pinning their hopes in Mr Brightside to end Cup week with a Group 1 win in the Champions Mile (1600m) on Saturday.
Hayes said the stable made the decision to come back from the 2040m of the Cox Plate when beaten by Romantic Warrior to Saturday’s journey with a view of a potential trip to Hong Kong.
“He’s an elite miler, so if we do decide to go to Hong Kong, it gives us more options,” Hayes said.
“We can stay at the mile or go to 2000 metres in Hong Kong, but we’ve got to get through this run first and see how he recovers from it.
“We haven’t committed to anything yet. He’s in the sixth run for the prep and these good horses, you do need to look after them.
“It’s something we’ll discuss with the team after the run.”
Hayes said Mr Brightside had remained at Flemington since his Cox Plate defeat and had freshened up nicely for his tilt on Saturday.
Mr Brightside will also be racing in blinkers again as the gelding looks to improve on his fourth in the corresponding race in 2021, when run as a handicap, then third last year.
“He’s probably due and there will be no excuses,” Hayes said.
“He hasn’t missed a day’s work. We’ve kept him at Flemington since the Cox Plate and we’ve always said that he thrives racing two weeks, two weeks, and that is what is happening here.
“He’s done so well and is a happy, enjoyable horse.
“I never get sick about talking about Mr Brightside, but if I ever do, slap me.”
Guineas the likely next step for daughter of Shamus Award
Katherine Colemanhas always known Roll On Highwas a filly with above-average ability and now the rest of the world does too after she charged into Thousand Guineas contention at Flemington on Tuesday.
The daughter of Shamus Award now occupies a place on the second line of betting on the Group 1 at Caulfield on November 18 after decisively winning the $175,000 Desirable Stakes.
The 1400-metre event was only the fourth start for Roll On High, following a Pakenham maiden win on October 20, but Coleman said the Slade Bloodstock galloper had earned her crack at a valuable Group 1 win.
“Definitely, if she pulls up well then she’s probably earned her spot there,” Coleman, who trains in partnership with Peter Moody, said.
Roll On High ($12), who is from the High Chaparral mare All Highs On Me, came with a sweeping run down the outside to score by three quarters of a length from Joliestar($9.50) with Kimochi($4.20) filling another minor placing, two lengths away in third.
Even though Roll On High was up in grade, winning jockey Billy Egan said she relished the set up of the Desirable Stakes and would take benefit from the outing.
“She was going this good when she won last start but she didn’t have that many horses to pass last time so she was a little lost when she got to the front,” Egan said.
“Today she had one more to drag her a long way down the straight and she was very willing to pass it but when she hit the front she was still a touch green but she has a touch of class there.”
Commemorative, the $3.30 favourite, enjoyed an economical run on the fence and presented as a winning hope early in the straight but weakened late to finish sixth, beaten just under six lengths.
Without A Fight has provided Mark Zahra with back-to-back victories in the Melbourne Cup.
Imported galloper Without A Fighthas etched his name into the history books by taking out the 163rd running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Brought out to Australia for last year’s Melbourne Cup under UK trainers Simon and Ed Crisford, Without A Fight was not suited on the wet conditions, fading to finish 13th behind Gold Trip.
But 12 months later, and in the care of Anthony and Sam Freedman, Without A Fight appreciated the firmer Flemington track that was upgraded to a Good 3 after the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on Tuesday, to race to a comfortable win under a brilliant ride from Mark Zahra.
After settling back in the field, Zahra was able to weave a passage through the field from the hometurn to take Without A Fight ($8) to a 2-¼ length victory from Soulcombe ($9.50) with outsider Sheraz ($151) a further half-length away third.
In winning Tuesday’s Cup, Without A Fight became the first horse since Ethereal in 2001 to complete the Caulfield – Melbourne Cup double and the 12th overall.
Zahra won the Cup last year on Gold Trip and had to make the difficult decision on whether to ride that galloper again or stick aboard Without A Fight after winning the Caulfield Cup on the gelding 17 days ago.
“Mark Hunter is a good friend and I rate him as one of the best judges in Australia,” Zahra said.
“I spoke to him at length about it and he said ‘you know, there’s not much in it, but if you can get him to settle, he’ll run it’.
“We went through the race, the weather forecast.
“The stars aligned for Gold Trip last year and they aligned for this horse this year.
“I don’t get to pick the result, I have to pick them before then and there was just a few things, the weight and the way he won the Caulfield Cup, I was confident he’d run it out today.”
Zahra said drawing barrier two and hugging the rails throughout allowed Without A Fight to have an easy run.
He said he was fortunate that he had some of the best jockeys in the world to follow.
“I was following Alenquer, probably not the best chance but D Oliver, in front of him was Gold Trip, in front of him was Vauban,” Zahra said.
“So, I thought I’m just going to stay here. They all made their moves, which opened up for me and I was on a horse you can just sit on.
“He’s got an electric turn of foot, and he just pulled me all the way to the line, and it was all over.
“I stood up in the irons and gave them the two fingers for two winners.
“I don’t know what I was thinking – idiot.”
Without A Fight’s victory adds the father-and-son training team of Anthony and Sam Freedman to the record books.
Anthony was part of Lee Freedman‘s haul of five Cup winners before the four brothers, Lee, Richard and Michael, went their separate ways.
The last win for the Freedman family came in 2005 with Maybe Diva and Sam Freedman said it had been a long time between wins in the Cup for the family.
Freedman senior is rarely seen at the races and Sam Freedman has been the face of the team.
“It’s been a great race for the family,” Freedman said.
“It’s been a while between drinks but it’s good to get another one and credit to the old man.
“He’s been incredible through all of this, his wisdom and experience in nursing a horse through like this.
“He went up to Queensland with him and looked after him up here and got him right into form and brought him back to Victoria and he’s been brilliant ever since so credit to him.”
