2016 Crystal Mile nominations have been taken and released, and twenty-four runners subsequently remain in contention for a position in a capacity field of fourteen at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday.
Abbey Marie has been included in 2016 Crystal Mile nominations. Photo: Jenny Barnes
Abbey Marie has not been seen at the races since breaking through for a maiden win at the highest level in autumn, but the mare is poised for a competitive return on Saturday after being included in 2016 Crystal Mile nominations.
Debuting to racing for a comfortable win in the Cove Hotel Maiden Plate (1300m) on March 23rd, Abbey Marie repeated the dose in the JRA BM70 (1440m) at Caulfield on April 23rd.
While never tested at the distance or the class, the Redoute’s Choice filly was thrown in the deep end in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) third-up, but justified trainer Mick Kent’s decision with an impressive win.
Happy Clapper has produced a number of typically-consistent performances this time in and should be well suited to the conditions of the 2016 Crystal Mile.
Running second in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) and third in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) during The Championships, Happy Clapper resumed this time for fifth in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m).
Progressing to sixth in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), the Teofilo gelding was last seen running on for fourth in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m).
Thunder Fantasy has returned to Australian shores following several seasons abroad in Hong Kong and has been included for his second-up appearance in 2016 Crystal Mile nominations.
Beginning his career under the guidance of Anthony Cummings, Thunder Fantasy ended his debut racing season third in the 2013 edition of the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2400m).
Resuming in 2014 for a smart win in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m), the Lucky Owners entire placed third in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and second in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) most notably.
Winning the Group 1 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) most notably in his time under the guidance of John Size, Thunder Fantasy was rated virtually no chance of success in the October Handicap (1400m) first-up this time but comfortably beat a classy field to the line.
The United States is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from a first-up run for sixth in the Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) and has also been included in 2016 Crystal Mile nominations.
Returning to racing in career-best form in autumn, the Galileo entire won the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and finished second in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes most notably.
The 2016 Crystal Mile field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
Open an account and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2016 Crystal Mile odds!
2016 Crystal Mile Nominations
| # | Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 111x | ABBEY MARIE | M | 4 | Michael Kent | 96 |
| 2 | 77×0002152 | AKAVOROUN | G | 7 | Ciaron Maher | 99 |
| 3 | 2127x7354x | CLOSING BELL (USA) | H | 5 | Chris Waller | 100 |
| 4 | 730x8011x0 | COLDSTONE (FR) | G | 5 | Michael Kent | 85 |
| 5 | 044106x0x0 | DESERT JEUNEY | G | 7 | Nigel Blackiston | 98 |
| 6 | 2x1442x233 | FEDERAL | G | 5 | John O’Shea | 99 |
| 7 | 0007071162 | GREAT ESTEEM | G | 6 | Stuart Webb | 100 |
| 8 | 1x4523x564 | HAPPY CLAPPER | G | 6 | Patrick Webster | 107 |
| 9 | 08x0775x85 | HAPPY TRAILS | G | 9 | Paul Beshara | 109 |
| 10 | x2018x7323 | HE OR SHE | G | 6 | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | – |
| 11 | 5×11828447 | JACQUINOT BAY | G | 9 | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | 102 |
| 12 | 12217×2225 | LE ROMAIN | G | 4 | Kris Lees | 108 |
| 13 | 900x1xD2x0 | LIDARI (FR) | H | 8 | Darren Weir | 102 |
| 14 | x040412201 | MR INDIVIDUAL | H | 4 | Leon & Troy Corstens | 84 |
| 15 | 113x67x661 | NOZOMI | G | 5 | Lee & Anthony Freedman | 89 |
| 16 | 0x0730x595 | OBSERVATIONAL (GB) | G | 6 | John Sadler | 95 |
| 17 | 13111x9x00 | RANGIPO | G | 4 | Tony Pike | 105 |
| 18 | 3217111114 | ROYAL RAPTURE | G | 7 | Darren Weir | 103 |
| 19 | 7236033×85 | STRATUM STAR | H | 5 | Darren Weir | 109 |
| 20 | 11246×3449 | TASHBEEH | H | 5 | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | 97 |
| 21 | 610x5212x6 | THE UNITED STATES (IRE) | H | 7 | Robert Hickmott | 111 |
| 22 | x4651818x1 | THUNDER FANTASY | H | 6 | Anthony Cummings | 107 |
| 23 | 689×211521 | ULMANN | G | 5 | Darren Weir | 98 |
| 24 | 155156×605 | UN DE SCEAUX | G | 4 | Todd Balfour | 72 |
