Brad Water and Gilbert Gardiner analyse every runner in 2024 All-Star Mile at Caulfield
This year’s $3.75m All-Star Mile will be survival of the strongest and Racenet has produced a runner-by-runner guide to who will be left standing at the end.
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News Corp form analysts Brad Waters and Gilbert Gardiner look at the chances of every runner in Saturday’s $3.75m All-Star Mile at Caulfield.
1. MR BRIGHTSIDE (11) – $1.85
Trainers: Ben, JD & Will Hayes
Jockey: Craig Williams 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Super galloper that has shown his class in two strong wins over 1400m this time in. His record over 1600m is simply outstanding and the likely hectic speed will negate the tricky draw. Definitely the one to beat.
GILBERT SAYS: Grab the popcorn. Pride Of Jenni is going to be lengths ahead of the champion for much of the race, can he run her down? Yes he can.
2. CASCADIAN (7) – $11
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: Ben Melham 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Grand performer that has finished fifth and second in the last two All-Star Miles so we know he’s good enough. He’ll get back and will be running on well late but he’ll give a start to some smart types. Place chance.
GILBERT SAYS: Watch for the nine-year-old late! Won the Australian Cup last year third-up after a slashing second in the All-Star Mile.
3. ATTRACTABLE (2) – $31
Trainer: Sara Ryan
Jockey: Linda Meech 59kg
BRAD SAYS: He’s as honest as they come and won The Big Dance in Sydney in the spring so he’s no slouch. Finished four lengths from Fangirl in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes first-up and connections should be happy with a similar result here.
GILBERT SAYS: Wouldn’t mind the Big Dance winner under handicap conditions, but not at weight-for-age.
4. MUNHAMEK (10) – $41
Trainer: Nick Ryan
Jockey: Mark Zahra 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Won the Gold Rush in Perth three runs back but that was a Group 3 race. Been OK without threatening at Group 1 level at his last two but he’s again likely to find this a bit strong.
GILBERT SAYS: Three and four lengths behind Mr Brightside the past two starts, expect more of the same here.
5. DOM TO SHOOT (10) – $34
Trainers: Sean & Jake Casey
Jockey: Damian Lane 59kg
BRAD SAYS: WA galloper that beat previous All-Star Mile winner Zaaki to win the Group 1 Northerly Stakes last December and tired late in the Futurity Stakes. He’ll be fitter for that and rates a place chance.
GILBERT SAYS: Best is good enough for a top-five finish.
6. BUFFALO RIVER (9) – $41
Trainer: Mike Moroney
Jockey: Celine Gaudray 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Mike Moroney has Buffalo River flying over 1400m around Caulfield with two terrific efforts at Group 1 level. However, he must maintain the pressure for another 200m in the All-Star Mile and place hopes look best again.
GILBERT SAYS: Brave as a lion but could be reaching for a ventilator the last 200m.
7. PINSTRIPED (1) – $34
Trainer: Enver Jusufovic
Jockey: Ben Allen 59kg
BRAD SAYS: We’d all love to own him as he never runs a bad race but a high-pressure contest like this is a massive ask for him first-up. He won’t disgrace himself but a win is unlikely.
GILBERT SAYS: Flies fresh and back to pet distance after being tested at 2000m at the highest level last spring. Should take home a $100,000 cheque – fifth to eighth place.
8. DESERT LIGHTNING (8) – $17
Trainers: Peter & Dawn Williams
Jockey: Vinnie Colgan 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Quality Kiwi galloper that beat top mare Legarto to earn a spot in this race. Has good form around the likes of Prowess, La Crique and Aegon as well. He can absorb early pressure and be tough at the end. Top four chance.
GILBERT SAYS: Bold on-pacer with strong NZ form, but drawn wide and first look at Caulfield the queries.
9. AYRTON (5) – $15
Trainer: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr
Jockey: Jamie Kah 59kg
BRAD SAYS: The stable has Ayrton back in strong form with a solid effort in the CF Orr Stakes before a luckless run in the Blamey Stakes. Jamie Kah is riding brilliantly at the moment and he’s a place chance.
GILBERT SAYS: Right jockey, right track, right barrier and right preparation but high pressure 1600m not his jam.
10. PUNTURA (4) – $61
Trainer: Robbie Patterson
Jockey: Craig Grylls 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Puntura’s trainer told stewards Puntura was off for a spell after a tough run in NZ last month but he now finds himself up against Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni. It won’t get any easier for him over here.
GILBERT SAYS: Not up to these and best form on wet tracks.
11. HOLYMANZ (3) – $31
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Blake Shinn 59kg
BRAD SAYS: Consistent galloper but he finished 10 lengths from Desert Lightning in NZ two starts back before having every chance in the Blamey Stakes. There are easier races around for him.
GILBERT SAYS: Another in contention for a $100,000 cheque.
12. PRIDE OF JENNI (6) – $41
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Declan Bates 57kg
BRAD SAYS: Pride Of Jenni emerged as one of the country’s best milers with two huge wins in the spring and resumed with a good second in the CF Orr Stakes. She’ll go out hard and won’t lie down in the straight. Whatever beats her will certainly have earned it.
GILBERT SAYS: If anyone is going to beat Mr Brightside it is Pride Of Jenni. Fast and furious, catch her if you can.
BRAD’S TIPS
1. MR BRIGHTSIDE
2. PRIDE OF JENNI
3. DESERT LIGHTNING
4. DOM TO SHOOT
GILBERT’S TIPS
1. MR BRIGHTSIDE
2. PRIDE OF JENNI
3. CASCADIAN
4. DOM TO SHOOT
Originally published as Brad Water and Gilbert Gardiner analyse every runner in 2024 All-Star Mile at Caulfield
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