Crystal Mile attracts quality field of six runners
The Group 2 Crystal Mile has attracted a field of six runners for this Saturday afternoon at Moonee Valley, with two New Zealand raiders, Prowess and Mustang Valley, set to take on four local hopes in the $300,000 contest.
The Roger James & Robert Wellwood-trained Prowess will be seeking to remain undefeated on these shores after destroying her rivals in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill in the autumn on her Australian debut.
That win marked her fifth-straight victory; however, the daughter of Proisir’s run of wins was ended first-up this preparation in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders Stakes, where she finished second behind Town Cryer over 1400m.
The other Kiwi raider is the Andrew Forsman-trained Mustang Valley, who returns to Australia for the third time and is still seeking her first victory across the ditch.
The top local hopes would have to be the placegetters from the Group 1 Toorak Handicap two weeks ago, with both Antino and Bankers Choice expected to go close once again.
Antino may have missed out on his spring target by the barest of margins in the Toorak, but after drawing barrier four in a small field, the son of Redwood appears the best of the Aussie hopes.
Meanwhile, Bankers Choice will be attempting the Crystal Mile for a second-straight year and will be looking to go one better after finishing second behind My Oberon in 2022.
Tuvalu for Lindsey Smith will drop back from the 1800m in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes, where he finished second behind Alligator Blood last start.
Just Folk will have his second run for new trainer Gavin Bedggood having finished second in the Listed Paris Lane Stakes on stable debut.
Crystal Mile 2023 Field
| No. | Silks | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
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