Best Bets For Champions Mile at Flemington
The Champions Mile is one of the feature races on Champions Stakes Day at Flemington on Saturday. The 1600-metre contest has attracted the leading milers in Australia, as they bid to crown themselves the best in the division.
Here is a look at the best bets for the Champions Mile and some of the supporting races on an excellent card for the final meeting on Cup Week.
BEST BET: MR BRIGHTSIDE
Champions Mile (Race 7)
Mr Brightside prevailed in the Champions Mile in 2024, earning himself the tag as the best miler in Australia. Since then, the experienced eight-year-old has won two further Group One races, with victories coming in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield and Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
Ben, Will and JD Hayes’ gelding went into the King Charles III Stakes as the favourite to prevail once again over this 1600 metre distance; however, he had to settle for second place behind Ceolwulf. Mr Brightside was handed a terrible draw in the race, which meant rider Craig Williams had to travel wide around the bend. It was an admirable run from the 2024 Champions Mile winner, who lost nothing in defeat.
A return to Flemington should help Mr Brightside get back to winning ways. He has won five times at this course, and with rain forecast to fall in Victoria ahead of this race, conditions look set to be in his favour.
Pride Of Jenni and Ceolwulf are the obvious challengers to the defending champion, but the Hayes camp will have their horse in peak condition, which will make him hard to beat on his home turf.
SECOND BEST BET: STREISAND
Inglis Banner (Race 1)
The two-year-olds are in action in the opening race on Champions Stakes Day, with the Inglis Banner. Only three of these runners (Blandford Baron, Free Flying and Streisand) have been involved in a race before, and that experience could prove vital.
Streisand finished second on her debut at Flemington five weeks ago, and she looks the most likely to build on that run and prevail in the Inglis Banner. The daughter of Magnus was involved in a 10-runner contest and, despite showing signs of greenness, delivered a promising opening performance.
Clinton McDonald’s filly has been handed the perfect draw in this race with barrier one, making Ben Melham’s job in the saddle easier. She is bred to excel over this 1000 metre distance, and the ground should be ideal for her.
BEST VALUE: BALASTIER
Hkjc World Pool Grand Handicap (Race 9)
Balastier has been on an impressive winning run at the start of the season, with three consecutive victories going his way. He has recorded wins at Seymour (1100m), Bendigo (1100m) and Moonee Valley (1200m). All three of those triumphs have come on different ground conditions, which shows how versatile he is.
Danny O’Brien’s runner will need to improve again here if he is to keep his winning streak going in a tougher contest, but there is no reason to think he won’t do that. There is likely to be some early pace from his rivals, and that will fall into his hands. He has shown he knows where the winning line is, and he can be taken to land the first prize once again.
Looking for the best Bookmakers to bet on The Champions Mile?
Looking for the best online betting sites in Australia for The Champions Mile? Here at Racingbase.com.au we provide the most up-to-date information on which bookmakers are the best in Australia. Looking for the best NRL and AFL content? check out our sister site Bettingpro.com.au for the latest tips and previews for the 2025 season
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