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All-Star Mile runner-by-runner form assessments and selections

Racenet’s Clinton Payne presents his tips and form assessment for each of the runners in Saturday’s newly-minted Victorian Group 1 – the All-Star Mile at Flemington.

Clinton Payne
2 min read
March 5, 2025 - 1:07PM
Mr Brightside will attempt to become the first horse to win two All-Star Miles at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images.
Mr Brightside will attempt to become the first horse to win two All-Star Miles at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images.

The $2.5 million All-Star Mile has drawn together a small but select field of mostly weight-for-age runners and here is our form assessment of each of the hopefuls.

There was a field of seven runners declared for the 1600m contest.

Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday.

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1 – MR BRIGHTSIDE

Superstar galloper that is a 10-time Group 1 winner courtesy of his latest top flight success in the Futurity Stakes last start. His records at a mile and at Flemington are second to none and he’ll be at his peak now with two runs under the belt.

VERDICT: A genuine winning chance.

2 – TOM KITTEN

Resumed in the Futurity Stakes and was a bit stiff, held up for clear running for much of the straight before storming to the line late, just failing to overhaul Mr Brightside. He should relish the step up to the mile and stepping out at Flemington.

VERDICT: A repeat of his first-up run and he’s in the finish.

3 – LIGHT INFANTRY MAN

Solid first-up performance without ever looking the winner when beaten 2-1/2 lengths by Mr Brightside in the Futurity Stakes. Is a recent Group 1 weight-for-age winner over 1800m so he should appreciate stepping up to the mile and will strip fitter.

VERDICT: Look for him to be doing his best work late.

4 – ANOTHER WIL

The rising star in Victoria’s weight-for-age ranks. He dethroned the local king Mr Brightside in the CF Orr Stakes at his first go at weight-for-age. Kept up to the mark with a 1000m trial since and sure to be primed for the mile, a distance he’s won three of six at.

VERDICT: Drawn to get every chance and will be hard to beat.

5 – FLYING TRAPEZE

Handicapper that’s eligible for much easier races. Been campaigning in Queensland open handicaps of late and being safely held. Yet to win over a mile from three attempts but drawn to get all the favours.

VERDICT: Hopelessly outclassed.

6 – RISE AT DAWN

Progressive type that has won eight of his 13 starts and is shooting for a fifth straight win. Yet to tackle weight-for-age grade but can’t have done any more in recent wins at Listed level under handicap conditions. Great records at the track and over 1600m.

VERDICT: If there’s to be a surprise, this is the horse.

7 – ATISHU

Proven Flemington performer that does her best racing at the track. She’s also a Group 1 weight-for-age winner so she has the credentials to be in the finish. Resumed in Sydney in the Apollo Stakes and while doing her best work late, she never looked likely. Has solid second-up figures.

VERDICT: Not without claims if she brings her A-game.

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TIPS

1st – TOM KITTEN (No. 2)

2nd – ANOTHER WIL (No. 4)

3rd – MR BRIGHTSIDE (No. 1)

4th – RISE AT DAWN (No. 6)

Originally published as All-Star Mile runner-by-runner form assessments and selections

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/horse-racing/allstar-mile-runnerbyrunner-form-assessments-and-selections/news-story/2db91510182454cbf0fd59f1b8a48be5