The third of the majors at Randwick this Saturday is the Doncaster Mile (1600m), where the market suggests it’ll be an open affair.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Doncaster Mile.
2025 Doncaster Mile Runner Preview:
1. Another Wil: He just looks a massive price. Total forgive in the All Star Mile. He should have won but was slaughtered. Then to compound that, he was found to have had EIPH. Light Infantry Man franked the form in the Australian Cup and I think he’ll slide across from the wide gate. Hard to beat.
2. Gringotts: I keep wanting to pot him but he is just so damn genuine. He was there to be beaten in the Ryder but he found under pressure to fend them off, them being Ceolwulf and Fangirl, two of the best milers in the country. That is A1 form, he maps perfect…he has to be respected.
3. Tom Kitten: The more I look at recent replays of key runners here, the more I warm to Tom Kitten. All Star Mile winner that wasn’t there to play in the George Ryder I thought but I thought he closed off with real purpose behind Gringotts. For mine, he just needs to get a soft trip in transit, be within range, and can launch over the top.
4. Geoglyph: Normally, you have to respect the Japanese raiders. But this guy doesn’t look A1 and to go with the gate, I am happy to pen him.
5. Pericles: Thought he had his chance in the Ajax and this looks much harder. Like Shinn on him but can’t entertain as a threat.
6. Militarize: He gets a track with juice in it, which is what both riders have said he has wanted in his two runs back. But he goes through to the keeper.
7. Royal Patronage: He looks dangerous. Strong first up win in the Canterbury before a gutsy effort in the George Ryder. He gets back to handicap conditions, he leads, comfortably, and will give an almighty sight.
8. Stefi Magnetica: Total forgive in the Canterbury before going to the Ryder where she seemingly had her chance and was just fair in the run to the line. Jury is out for me as to whether she is up to the big boys.
9. Anisette: It’s been a while since Yulong has purchased a camel, but this Mare does look one.
10. Moira: Fascinating runner. Jump/run type who can break their hearts from the front but that is not a racing style that we know when it comes to Chris Waller. But, the booking of Zac Purton is a big lead for mine and she should get across comfortably.
11. Just Folk: He was very tough in winning the Prelude on Tuesday but this is completely different gravy and he should be $101+.
12. Celestial Legend: You’d love to see him bounce and go close to defending his title. But he just doesn’t look to be going any good.
13. Kovalica: Kovalica does run very well at the Randwick mile and I thought his return in the George Ryder was full of merit. He got back off the moderate speed, lacked change up speed, but he was solid to and through the line in defeat behind Gringotts. He’ll eat up a hard 1600m here and his best is clearly good enough.
14. Port Lockroy: I say he has eyes on Brisbane. One soft trial leading into the Ryder and was solid enough to/through the line. He has enormous upside to come…rather watch than back.
15. Al Mubhir: Haggas said he had the horse too fresh in the Ranvet and ran accordingly. Given the amazing stats, it’s crazy that a Haggas runner will go around $101+. But I think for good reason.
16. New Energy: Never a factor in the Ajax and Synthetic Hoof Filler first time tells me the horse isn’t 100%.
17. Iowna Merc: Crazy to think this horse was struggling to run out 1200m. Now he’s in the Doncaster. Great effort, but I can’t see him threatening.
18. Encap: He was a real eye catcher in the Prelude on Tuesday, albeit did bludge out the back and was fence in run. But, a drying track helps his cause, he maps to do no work and his absolute best is good enough to pinch a first four spot.
19. Firestorm: A half positive ride and she wins the Coolmore I say. She really surged hard late, just missing out. Waller has figured her out in that fresh is best. Resumed with a bang, then three weeks into the Coolmore. She’ll be three weeks into this and a tick over trial was strong.
20. Linebacker: Linebacker has to be given serious respect off his Randwick Guineas win. Credit to him, he was there to be beaten, but he found under pressure and was actually strongest on the line in winning. He tumbles down to 49kg, he has that sense of timing, fresh legs and is using an identical set up to Celestial Legend from last year.
21. Rise At Dawn (First Emergency): Outclassed in the All Star Mile and much better suited here. But what ar they doing booking Karis Teetan…lord help me.
22. Swiftfalcon (Second Emergency): He has been set for the race but unlikely to get a start.
23. Sandpaper (Third Emergency): Ambulance nearly beat him on Tuesday. Pass.
24. Ducasse (Fourth Emergency): Game in the Prelude on Tuesday but not up to this level.
2025 Doncaster Mile $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Boxed First Four = 5.95%, with the numbers 1-2-3-7-13-18-19-20
Group l Strategy Outlay: $5350
Group l Strategy Return: $2973.50
2025 Doncaster Mile Speed Map
Not really sure what eventuates here re early speed. The one we do know is that Royal Patronage will go forward. Moira liked to roll along when racing overseas so it’ll be interesting to see what eventuates with her. Al Mubhir can settle handy, as can Just Folk and potentially Another Wil.
