Runner-by-runner analysis for the $3m Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington

News Corp racing writer Glenn McFarlane runs the rule over the $3m Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington on Saturday.

Private Eye has had an outstanding campaign. Picture: Getty Images

News Corp form analyst Glenn McFarlane looks at the chances of every runner in Saturday’s $3m Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington.

1. KOLDING (1) – $71

Trainer: Chris Waller

Jockey: Damien Oliver

GLENN SAYS: Group 1 winner who hasn’t saluted since April last year. His two runs this campaign have hardly inspired confidence, especially a tendency to be tardy away from the gates, though he is fitter and out to a better distance range.

2. PRIVATE EYE (5) – $3.20

Trainer: Joseph Pride

Jockey: Brenton Avdulla

GLENN SAYS: Clearly the testing material after producing a devastating burst to win the Nature Strip Stakes after pushing Giga Kick in the Everest. Has won two of his three races at 1600m, including a Group 1 win in the Epsom. Deserves to be favourite.

3. CASCADIAN (11) – $5

Trainer: James Cummings

Jockey: James McDonald

GLENN SAYS: Has toyed with his rivals in his two most recent runs in Sydney and has the imposing combination of the two James’ – Cummings and McDonald. Ran third in this race last year and looks to be going every bit as well as then.

Cascadian is going as good as every. Picture: Getty Images

4. ALLIGATOR BLOOD (3) – $5

Trainers: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott

Jockey: Tim Clark

GLENN SAYS: Back to 1600m off a solid run in the Cox Plate. A return to Flemington (two wins and a second from three starts) and the likelihood of an improving track might play in his favour, as will the draw to give him an early edge.

5. MR BRIGHTSIDE (4) – $9

Trainers: Ben and JD Hayes

Jockey: Craig Williams

GLENN SAYS: Finished just behind Alligator Blood in a tight run to the post in the Cox Plate and looks better suited back to 1600m. Doesn’t know how to run a bad race, so he will be in the mix again from a nice draw.

6. DALASAN (2) – $81

Trainers: Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas

Jockey: Michael Dee

GLENN SAYS: Had success first up this campaign in Adelaide but has always seemed to find a few gallopers better than him throughout his solid career. Beaten almost five lengths in the Toorak Handicap and would need to improve significantly on that to figure

7. AEGON (10) $34

Trainer: Andrew Forsman

Jockey: Jamie Kah

GLENN SAYS: Classy Kiwi who was a good winner of the Moonga Stakes (1400m) at first run back in Australia. Could surprise a few here at odds, but still think a few others have his measure in this race.

8. TUVALU (8) – $13

Trainer: Lindsey Smith

Jockey: Jarrod Fry

GLENN SAYS: Hard to know where this bloke’s ceiling is. Has never missed a place and has won eight of 13 starts, including the Toorak last month. Has a good record at the track and distance and it wouldn’t surprise if he is ready to make a statement.

9. MY OBERON (7) – $4.40

Trainer: Annabel Neasham

Jockey: John Allen

GLENN SAYS: Import who cruised home in his first Australian start on the heavy track to win the Crystal Mile like a good horse. Has the blinkers on for the first time and will be one of the key contenders again. Does the drying track hinder or help?

My Oberon won impressively at The Valley in his local debut. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

10. KISS SUM (9) – $34

Trainer: Tracey Bartley

Jockey: Nash Rawiller

GLENN SAYS: Chased with purpose and good splits when first up and a touch unlucky in the Silver Eagle. Looks an improving type, but will likely be tested against this lot

11. SINAWANN (6) – $151

Trainer: Anthony and Sam Freedman

Jockey: Ben Melham

GLENN SAYS: Has a good record at the trip, but hard to see him measuring up against the leading horses here. Was slow away in the Sandown Stakes and can ill afford to get anything wrong in a hot race like this. Unlikely to figure.

GLENN’S TIPS

1. PRIVATE EYE

2. MY OBERON

3. CASCADIAN

4. ALLIGATOR BLOOD

Originally published as Runner-by-runner analysis for the $3m Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington