All-Star Mile: Popular picks fail to shine by Racing Victoria insists there will be star quality perturbed
The underwhelming performances of leading All-Star Mile candidates has not dampened Racing Victoria’s spirits before the inaugural race. Gilbert Gardiner reveals his preferred field.
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The underwhelming performances of leading All-Star Mile candidates has not dampened Racing Victoria’s spirits before the inaugural Flemington 1600m feature.
The second-ranked horse in the popular vote, Urban Ruler, flopped in his return at Doomben on Saturday, tailing off second-last.
And Moss ’n’ Dale, the fourth-highest vote winner, finished last in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
Adelaide-trained miler Balf’s Choice ran a respectable third at Morphettville in a Benchmark 90 race.
But RV chief handicapper Greg Carpenter is adamant an “outstanding” field of 14, including the four hand-picked wildcards still to be determined, will be assembled for the $5 million All-Star Mile on March 16.
“There will be a number of Group 1 winners in there, the wildcards will ensure that,” Carpenter said.
“Until the top 10 is finalised, we don’t know who’s actually going to get in ... but I think overwhelmingly (there’s) enough quality to make it an outstanding race.
“But this was never viewed in the traditional prism of racing. It’s a popularity contest, and there were going to be horses who potentially were voted into that top 10 that may not otherwise be in the race if it was framed in the traditional Group 1 sense.”
Carpenter confirmed RV would “review” the minimum rating for All-Star nominations next year.
“We put in this year a minimum performance requirement, which is consistent with Group 1 races, that you have to be rated 70 to nominate,” Carpenter said.
“When we review the inaugural running and look towards 2020, we’ll look to the learnings of this year when we finalise the conditions for the race next year.”
Boom Tasmanian galloper Mystic Journey, Sydney superstar Alizee and newly minted Group 1 winner Manuel are among leading “wildcard” contenders.
Trainer Tony McEvoy implored voters yesterday to get behind Manuel, who will contest the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 23 after pulling up “really well” from his surprise Orr victory.
Manuel has had two runs over 1600m for a Kilmore Cup win and a narrow second at Flemington.
“He’s a real fighter and he loves a contest,” McEvoy said. “You need a good quality field. As a voter you want to be voting for a horse that you think is going to give you a genuine chance to get amongst that (prizemoney).
“You don’t want to be voting for a horse that’s not quite up to Group 1 weight-for-age standard.”
GILBERT’S PREFERRED FIELD
1. Grunt — 4892 votes (currently 3rd)
Flemington Mile specialist. Group 1 winner. Exciting 4yo stallion.
2. Moss ‘n’ Dale — 3871 votes (4th)
Banked almost $1m in prize money. Flopped in Orr but 4-4 second up. Forgive?
3. Mr Money Bags — 3631 votes (7th)
Course and distance winner. Fourth in Listed grade.
4. Material Man — 3526 votes (8th)
WA star. Earned shot at this. Group 2 and Group 3 winner. Placed in three of five at Group 1 level.
5. Amphitrite — 3470 votes (9th)
Thousand Guineas, romped in. Manifold Stakes, romped in.
6. Extra Brut — 3376 votes (11th)
Victoria Derby winner. Has earned a crack at this.
7. Alizee — 3310 votes (12th)
Regally bred dual Group 1 winner. Superstar.
8. Land Of Plenty — 2689 votes (13th)
Finished well in the Orr Stakes. Ultra-consistent
9. Ringerdingding — 2571 votes (14th)
Swooper will be strong at the finish. Emerged last campaign
10. Mystic Journey — 2177 votes (15th)
Tasmanian superstar on the rise.
MY WILDCARDS
11. Happy Clapper — 1790 votes (16th)
Winx bridesmaid. 27 group/listed starts for six wins and 10 placings. Triple Group 1 winner.
12. Tom Melbourne — 1600 votes (18th)
Cult horse and last start WINNER!
13. Hartnell — 1150 votes (22nd)
Long-time Winx bridesmaid. Popular war horse. Group 1 winner.
14. Manuel — 340 votes (47th)
Fresh horse on the scene after winning the Group 1 Orr. Gutsy and deserves a start.
LEADERBOARD
1. The Autumn Sun 7937 votes
2. Urban Ruler 7901
3. Grunt 4892
4. Moss ‘n’ Dale 3871
5. Man of His Word 3765
6. Foundry 3699
7. Mr Money Bags 3569
8. Material Man 3526
9. Amphitrite 3470
10. Balf’s Choice 3410
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11. Extra Brut 3376
12. Alizee 3310
13. Land Of Plenty 2689
14. Ringerdingding 2571
Votes as of 5.30pm Monday
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