The feature race at The Valley on Saturday is the All Star Mile (1600m), where most eyes will be on popular horse Alligator Blood to make it 2/2 this time in.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 All Star Mile.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the All Star Mile
2023 All Star Mile Speed Map
Connections of Keats have made their intentions known as to what they want to do and that is make this a brutal mile, so he will lead. Nugget can use the inside gate to advantage, likewise Mr Brightside, while Alligator Blood will slide across. I’m Thunderstruck is drawn gate five. Do they roll the dice and sit handy, or drag back and save him for one run.
2023 All Star Mile Runner Preview:
1. I’m Thunderstruck: I’m Thunderstruck…contender or pretender time. I am thinking he could be the latter but the two big ticks for him are his liking for the track and the fact he’ll be sitting off the very good tempo. I will say though, I do reckon he wants cut in the ground, so if they leave the taps on overnight and the track is shifty, that will help his cause in turning the table on Alligator Blood.
2. Alligator Blood: Alligator Blood, all things being equal, could be an absolute moral. He resumed in the Futurity where he was backed with confidence late in the piece and after sitting on speed, he absolutely trucked in the run and it was just a matter of Shinn pushing the button. Once he did, away he went and he spanked them. Natural improvement off that, could be a case of good luck beating him.
3. Cascadian: Not sure MV suits him but the race shape will suit him with a good tempo in front to sit off and be strong at the end. He contested fast run races in the Spring and came out on top, albeit in weaker races than this. But, he has run well in the race previously.
4. Mr Brightside: Great record at the track and third up from a break, he is ready to rock and roll here. He tried his guts out in the Futurity but was no match for Alligator Blood. All things being equal, I can’t see him turning the tables, but has a very kind map.
5. So Si Bon: He’s been a great horse for a few years…but surely not. Here to make up the numbers.
6. Laws Of Indices: He is yet to win a race since arriving from overseas and has had plenty of chances. He did run well on the international stage at Hong Kong…but I don’t think he’s good enough to trouble these.
7. Aegon: He’s a good horse and I thought did more than enough in the CF Orr, but the Futurity run was on the plain side, and I can’t see him turning the tables.
8. Alenquer: He creates interest. Quality galloper that makes his Australian debut for Mike Moroney. He is best suited at 2000m+ but he does have class and that will carry him a fair way. Not sure he wins, but one that can pinch a first four spot.
9. The Inevitable: What a great horse he has been. He’s too good for them in Tassie but even allowing for that, the arrogance in which he has been winning has been impressive. He is tough, genuine, hard fit, in form and will be strong at the end. He’s in with a shout at a big price.
10. My Oberon: My Oberon can bounce back. He was a big drifter in betting fresh in the Futurity Stakes and the market got it spot on as he settled last in the run and failed to come, running last behind Alligator Blood. His win here on Cox Plate Day was dynamic and off that, he’s in with a shout, especially sitting off a good speed.
11. Gentleman Roy: Arguably should have won the CF Orr but the Blamey run was just fair after leading, tiring late, albeit off a set back. He has a good racing style, will press forward, but he’s not good enough.
12. Pounding: Dry track specialist, Moonee Valley specialist…but class wise? He isn’t up to these and needs to find a few lengths, especially from the wide gate.
13. Nugget: Had his chance in the CF Orr and was plain after leading in the Futurity. He’s done a super job in his first Australian prep but for me, he wants the paddock.
14. Keats: If there is a severe on speed/fence bias, this guy is genuinely in this race as an outside winning chance. He was unbelievable first up in the Carlyon Cup and was much the same in the Peter Young after chasing the tearaway leader. He is absolutely flying, he’ll lead and give them something to chase. Lacks the class yes, but he’ll give himself every chance.
15. Sheeza Belter: Gee I thought she was going to win the Coolmore but couldn’t quite get there when a narrow third. Is a Group l winner at the mile, albeit as a juvenile, she’s flying…if she drew inside, she could be a threat, but drawing wide, happy to ignore.
16. The Fortune Teller (First Emergency): If he gets a run, he is making up the numbers.
2023 All Star Mile $100 Betting Strategy:
Pretty confident that Alligator Blood wins. $100 win on him.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $4450
Group l Strategy Return: $3219.50
2023 All Star Mile Odds
