The All-Star Mile has copped some criticism in its brief history but like The Everest it’s becoming the race everybody is talking about in Melbourne.
Racing Victoria can take a bow for its placement of the race, especially as it’s going to be the another leg in the clashes of Alligator Blood, I’m Thunderstruck and Mr Brightside.
To say either of that trio has a better claim on the All-Star Mile than another one is simply wrong. There’s not much between them and all arguments can be settled at Moonee Valley on March 18.
Let’s look where they stand after the Futurity Stakes.
Alligator Blood? The Futurity Stakes was his sweet spot. 1400 metres which is his best distance and he was also able to dominate from the front. He won’t have things his own way in the All-Star Mile with the likes of Tuvalu, Keats and Gentleman Roy who all race forward.
I’m Thunderstruck? He’s becoming a bit of a whipping boy but if you listen to what his trainer Mick Price has been saying there’s no need to panic. Price is like a broken record saying I’m
Thunderstruck needs the tempo on in his races and he’s not getting it with him in these slowly run weight-for-age races. He’ll be better suited over 1600 metres and with a faster tempo.
Mr Brightside?
As Ben Hayes continually points out he’s getting better with every start. He surprisingly settled back on Saturday when many people thought he’d settle in second placing. Hayes also said that he can now get past I’m Thunderstruck in the closing stages of a race, something he couldn’t do last spring. He loves The Valley and the 1600 metres.
It won’t be a match race between them as Tassie’s finest The Inevitable has been toying with horses in his home state and loves The Valley.
The voting system has also resulted in a horse such as Keats getting a run which is great for Gavin Bedggood and his small stable.
The 2023 All-Star Mile is shaping as the race of the autumn in both Melbourne and Sydney.
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