$5 million is up for grabs in The All-Star Mile on Saturday and the race has again attracted an outstanding group of race horses.
Flemington will play host to the weight for age race over 1600m with just about horse in the race a winning chance.
Our full 2022 All-Star Mile Day Tips & Preview can be found below.
Preview brought to you by Neds. Learn more about Neds HERE.
Race 1: Benchmark 80 Handicap (2500m) 12:25pm
Tip: No. 2 French Moon
French Moon has been working through the grades well and has managed to string together two wins in a row at Bendigo and The Valley by a combined 4.5 lengths.
The four year old gelding will be required to carry 60kg in this event but has drawn to get a nice run in transit from barrier three.
He’s the one to beat.
Race 2: Gold Comet (1000m) 1:05pm
Tip: No. 3 Lombardo
Lombardo earned his shot at the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley after winning six of his first 10 starts.
He was far from disgraced when beaten just under four lengths in that race but he is clearly a progressive and talented horse who has plenty of upside.
This looks a good starting point for him to kick stat the prep.
Race 3: The Mystic Journey (2000m) 1:40pm
Tip: No. 1 Yonce
Yonce is one of the most exciting mares in the entire country and she continues to improve each time she is seen at the races.
The lightly raced four year old mare is undefeated in five career starts so far and the way in which she dominated her rivals at Flemington last start suggests she will tough to beat yet again at this level.
She steps out beyond 1600m for the first time but has drawn perfectly in barrier two.
Race 4: Gold Reef (1600m) 2:20pm
Tip: No. 2 Teewaters
Teewaters broke through for his maiden race win at Ballarat in September by six lengths which prompted a change in plans for connections.
He was targeted toward some tougher assignments and was placed in both the Group 3 Caulfield Classic and Group 1 Victoria Derby.
The son of Dundeel is clearly a young horse with plenty of ability and while this is short of his preferred distance, his class will carry him a long way.
Race 5: Country Mile Series Final (1600m) 2:55pm
Tip: No. 2 Prince Of Helena
Prince Of Helena has been a consistent performer throughout his career, placing in 14 of his 17 starts overall.
He kicked off this campaign with a narrow defeat at Ballarat first up but he will take plenty of benefit out of the run and getting out in distance for this assignment.
Damian Lane will need to produce a gem from barrier 16 but there has been plenty of early support in betting.
Race 6: All-Star Mile (1600m) 3:40pm
Tip: No. 2 Zaaki
He was beaten as the short priced favourite in the Group 1 Might And Power at Caulfield during the spring but aside from that hiccup on the rock hard track, he was dominant throughout the campaign.
Inspirational Girl got him when resuming in the Blamey Stakes but he will take a lot out of that run.
Jamie Kah will be forced to push forward from barrier 15 which is a concern, but with a bit of luck in running, he will be very tough to beat.
Back the best horse in the race. That horse is Zaaki.
Race 7: The Mugatoo (1600m) 4:20pm
Tip: No. 10 Gentleman Roy
Gentleman Roy has won four of six starts this campaign so far and has finished inside the top two in every run.
He ran into a very smart one in Yonce last time out at this track and distance but found the line well and he brings in a fitness advantage to this event.
Jye Mcneil steers from barrier 11.
Race 8: The Regal Power (2000m) 5:00pm
Tip: No. 1 Defibrillate
Defibrillate promised the world and delivered an atlas during his last campaign but returned to a semblance of his best form when winning first up at Caulfield over 2000m.
He has won 10 of 23 in his racing career to date and has four wins from seven starts at this distance.
He loves Flemington and although he is being asked to carry 60.5kg in this event, he is the one to beat in a competitive race.
Race 9: Benchmark 80 Handicap (1200m) 5:40pm
Tip: Boxed Trifecta 3/7/15/16
