Likely field: $3.6 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield
A field of 11 is locked in for Saturday’s $3.6 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield — but who else will get a spot?
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The $3.6 million All-Star Mile is at Caulfield on Saturday — but so far only a field of 11 runners has been confirmed.
Racing Victoria has struggled to get a full field of 16 together with many of the winners of the “win and you’re in” races not taking up the challenge.
On Sunday evening, RV announced the Ciaron Maher-trained Blamey Stakes runner-up, Holymanz, as the 11th confirmed runner.
The final field and barrier draw will be revealed on Tuesday.
Racenet understands RV is prepared to run the race with a smaller field than 16, rather than add horses to make up the numbers.
Somewhat surprisingly, Kiwi-based Group 1 winner, Puntura, was given a wildcard last week.
Reigning champion Mr Brightside is a $1.80 favourite with TAB to go back-to-back.
Champion trainer Chris Waller penned an email to Racing Victoria explaining why he won’t have any runners in the race because he “felt bad”.
He implored Racing Victoria and Racing NSW to work better together to ensure the All-Star Mile and The Everest became Group 1 races, and secured the best fields possible.
Other early All-Star Mile contenders, Alligator Blood and Duais, sustained injuries and won’t take their place.
CONFIRMED ALL-STAR MILE RUNNERS
AEGON ($34)
AYRTON — J.Kah ($15)
BUFFALO RIVER — C.Gaudray ($34)
CASCADIAN — B.Shinn ($11)
DESERT LIGHTNING ($15)
DOM TO SHOOT — D.Lane ($26)
HOLYMANZ ($51)
MR BRIGHTSIDE — C.Williams ($1.80)
MUNHAMEK ($34)
PRIDE OF JENNI — D.Bates ($3.50)
PUNTURA — C.Grylls ($51)
* TAB fixed odds as at 10am Sunday.
Originally published as Likely field: $3.6 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield