The $5 million All-Star Mile heads back to The Valley in 2023 and Ben Asgari has put together a Christmas wish list of the horses he wants to see line up in the autumn showpiece.
$5m All-Star Mile (1600m), Moonee Valley March 18, Field limit: 15
1. ANAMOE
With a potential trip to Dubai and the UK planned for 2023, the reigning Cox Plate champion appears an unlikely starter in this year’s All-Star Mile. Regardless, as the best horse in the country between 1600m-2000m, he has to be at the top of any wish list.
2. ZAAKI
Last year’s All-Star Mile winner went out on a high in the spring, turning the tables on the likes of Anamoe and I’m Thunderstruck in winning the Champions Stakes. He gets the chance to become the first horse to win two All-Star Miles.
3. I’M THUNDERSTRUCK
I’m Thunderstruck finished runner-up behind Zaaki in the 2022 All-Star Mile when he might not have been at his absolute best. He beat home Zaaki in both the Caulfield Stakes and Cox Plate and is arguably even better suited over 1600m and deserves his shot at going one better in 2023.
4. ALLIGATOR BLOOD
The Champions Mile and Underwood Stakes winner during the spring, Alligator Blood is arguably at his very best between 1400m to 1600m. He ran bravely in the Cox Plate finishing fifth, but at his preferred distance he is a must-include and his ability to make his own luck from the front makes him a leading chance at the Valley.
5. INCENTIVISE
I’m not sure how the All-Star Mile fits in with the 2021 Caulfield Cup winner’s autumn program, but it has to be a tempting option. While probably better over further, in his last run at 1600m he won the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes and a horse of his quality would be a fascinating addition to the race.
6. I WISH I WIN
He was brilliant in three of his four Australian starts during the spring, culminating in a narrow but impressive victory in fast time in the rich Golden Eagle. An exciting horse that, as yet, doesn’t have a ceiling as to how good he could be.
7. ALCOHOL FREE
The second-dearest thoroughbred sold in Europe is headed down under having won the Group 1 July Cup (1200m) beating Artorius (third) before finishing third behind Baaeed in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes (1600m) at Goodwood. Her form lines are world class and if she is ready in time, she would bring some serious x-factor to this year’s race.
8. MY OBERON
He was dominant winning the Crystal Mile in stunning fashion, sitting wide off a fast speed. That performance might have, understandably, left him flat for the Champions Mile. With the benefit of a break and a first Australian preparation under his belt, he is an exciting prospect and it won’t be any surprise to see him measure up at the highest level.
9. JACQUINOT
The Golden Rose winner, Jacquinot was then kept fresh and aimed at the Coolmore given his value as a colt. I think that run suggests he’s at his best over further and his Golden Rose victory running down In Secret was the type of quality performance that would make him an intriguing All-Star Mile addition.
10. AMELIA’S JEWEL
Connections have said that they will likely be giving the Group 1 Northerly Stakes-winning filly a longer spell and will aim at local races rather than bringing her east for the autumn. While that is probably a wise option, it would be terrific to see whether her ability matches the hype or whether she would’ve just added value to other runners in the race.
11. HITOTSU
The VRC and Australian Derby winner, who was also able to win the Australian Guineas first up over 1600m, is undoubtedly a seriously talented racehorse. Given he’s back in work with the Maher-Eustace stable, he hopefully gets a spot as a worthwhile All-Star Mile contender.
12. LIGHT INFANTRY
He started $5 in the Golden Eagle on the strength of his European form and wasn’t given an ideal ride. With the benefit of that experience, a spell and an Australian jockey, he is a very interesting prospect this autumn.
13. EL BODEGON
Third in the Cox Plate in his only Australian start, El Bodegon is obviously a high-class galloper. While I suspect 1600m is probably short of his ideal distance range, he has the class to warrant a place in the race.
14. MR BRIGHTSIDE
The Doncaster Mile winner was a dominant winner of the Feehan Stakes over 1600m at the Valley during the spring and was unlucky not to finish closer in last year’s edition of the race. You know that if he lines up, he’ll run well.
15. TUVALU
The Toorak Handicap winner, who then backed it up by running second to Alligator Blood in the Champions Mile. He has eight wins from 14 starts and has missed the quinella once when third in the Rupert Clarke Stakes first up from a spell on a wet track.
16. GYPSY GODDESS (1st EM)
Good enough to run third in the Golden Eagle first up from a spell, Gypsy Goddess is a highly talented mare and I’d be happy to see take her place in the field.
17. CASCADIAN (2nd EM)
A genuine weight-for-age galloper between 1400 to 2000m who would add depth and quality to the field should he gain a start.
18. AFT CABIN (3rd EM)
The dominant Caulfield Guineas favourite prior to missing the race due to a bleed. Given the subsequent low rating of the Guineas and his form prior, I’d think he is a better All-Star Mile proposition than his Caulfield Guineas-winning stablemate Golden Mile or any of the other Guineas runners.
19. LA CRIQUE (4th EM)
She started the $1.85 favourite in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes on Derby Day on the strength of her New Zealand form. Is that New Zealand form that much inferior or was she below her best on the day? There’s a good chance she makes the field with the Kiwi’s likely to get behind her in the voting.