The VRC Champions Mile - formerly known as the Cantala Stakes - is one of three $3 million Flemington Group 1 races contested on Day 4 of the Melbourne Cup Carnival - VRC Champions Stakes Day.
2024 Champions Mile Results
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Champions Mile News
- 2023 Champions Mile Results: Pride Of Jenni All-The-Way Winner
- Open Champions Mile 2023 Field & Betting Market: Fangirl Narrow Favourite
- Private Eye Heads 2022 Champions Mile Field & Betting for Stakes Day
- 2021 Kennedy Cantala Results: Superstorm Dives Late To Win
- 2021 Victoria Derby Day: Flemington Scratchings & Track Report
The VRC Champions Mile – formerly known as the Cantala Stakes – is one of Melbourne’s richest 1600m races for the spring with $3 million prize money as of 2022. This Group 1 race is currently a weight-for-age event now held at Flemington on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival.
VRC Champions Mile 2024 Odds
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Mr Brightside (4)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
||
| Recent form sound. Last start 4th of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 26 over 2040m, 10 len behind Via Sistina with 59kg at $7.50. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 at Caulfield in the G1 Caulfield Stks on October 12 over 2000m, 0.8 len behind Deny Knowledge with 59kg at $1.70. Been up a long time but should give his all again. | ||
|
2. My Oberon (6)
J: Nash Rawiller 59kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 11 at Randwick in the G1 King Charles III on October 19 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Ceolwulf carrying 59kg at $26. The start before that ran on from midfield; 6th of 20 at Randwick in the G1 Epsom on October 5 over 1600m, 3 len behind Ceolwulf with 56.5kg at $16. Racing very well, wouldn't shock. | ||
|
3. Pinstriped (8)
J: Ben Allen 59kg
T: Enver Jusufovic |
||
| Most recently 3rd of 15 at Caulfield in the G3 Moonga Stks on October 19 over 1400m, slow going 2.5 len behind Mighty Ulysses with 60kg at $4. The race before that second last of 8 at this track in the G1 Makybe Diva on September 14 over 1600m, in the wet; 18 len behind Mr Brightside with 59kg at $11. Looks outclassed. | ||
|
4. Antino (12)
J: Mark Zahra 59kg
T: Tony Gollan |
||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run won by 6 len at Caulfield G1 Toorak Hcp October 12 over 1600m defeating Craig with 55.5kg at $4.50. The run before that second last in a small field at Moonee Valley in the G2 Feehan on September 27 over 1600m, 2.25 len behind Pride Of Jenni with 59kg at $13. Given an all-time ride to win dominantly last time; rates highly. | ||
|
5. Desert Lightning (11)
J: Luke Nolen 59kg
T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman |
||
| Dual acceptor. Most recently 4th of 12 at Caulfield in the G1 Toorak Hcp on October 12 over 1600m, 8 len behind Antino carrying 57kg at $8.50. The race before that won by 1.0 len at Sandown-Hillside G3 Sand Stks September 28 over 1500m defeating Craig carrying 59.5kg at $5. Not keen on his chances this time. | ||
|
6. Another Wil (2)
J: Declan Bates 59kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Last start won by 1.3 len at this track G2 Linlithgow November 2 over 1400m defeating Jimmysstar carrying 57.5kg at $3.80. The start before that didn't do much in the run home; 7th of 12 at Caulfield in the G1 Toorak Hcp on October 12 over 1600m, 9 len behind Antino carrying 55kg at $2.10. New test here but it wouldn't shock if he ran a huge race. | ||
|
7. New Energy (3)
J: Dylan Browne McMonagle 59kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Most recently got back early 8th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 King Charles III on October 19 over 1600m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Ceolwulf carrying 59kg at $101. Before that 5th of 11 at Rosehill in the G2 Shannon on September 28 over 1500m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Amor Victorious carrying 55.5kg at $5.50. Not good enough. | ||
|
8. Von Hauke (1)
J: Josh Parr 59kg
T: Cliff Brown |
||
| Most recently 4th of 11 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Crystl Mile on October 26 over 1600m, 1.2 len behind Plenty Of Ammo carrying 58kg at $21. The start before that eased back early on 9th of 15 at Caulfield in the LR Weekend Hussler on October 12 over 1400m, 5.5 len behind Jimmysstar with 57kg at $21. Likely to find this out of reach. | ||
|
9. Pride Of Jenni (7)
J: Ben Melham 57kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Useful mare. Last start second last of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 26 over 2040m, 15 len behind Via Sistina carrying 57kg at $4. The start before that set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 11 at Randwick in the G1 King Charles III on October 19 over 1600m, slow going 0.7 len behind Ceolwulf carrying 57kg at $2.60. Back to 1600m suits but she's had a tough few weeks. | ||
|
10. Fangirl (9)
J: James McDonald 57kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| At the latest run 6th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 King Charles III on October 19 over 1600m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Ceolwulf with 57kg at $2.90. The start before that settled well back; won by 0.6 len at Randwick 7 Stakes September 21 over 1600m defeating My Oberon with 57kg at $1.70. Disappointing last time but if she has a wicked turn of foot and can bounce back. | ||
|
11. Amelia's Jewel (10)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| At the latest run 2nd of 13 at this track in the G1 Empire Rose on November 2 over 1600m, head behind Atishu carrying 57kg at $5. The race before that 5th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 King Charlesiii on October 19 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Ceolwulf carrying 57kg at $17. Good mare but this is a very tough race. | ||
|
12. Stefi Magnetica (5)
J: Chad Schofield 57kg
T: Bjorn Baker |
||
| Useful mare. Most recently 5th of 20 at Rosehill Golden Eagle on November 2 over 1500m, 2 len behind Lake Forest carrying 55.5kg at $11. Before that 9th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Everest on October 19 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Bella Nipotina with 56.5kg at $15. Desperately unlucky last time, this is harder again. | ||
|
13. Broadsiding (13)
J: Michael Dee 52kg
T: James Cummings |
||
| At the latest run 3rd of 9 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Cox Plate on October 26 over 2040m, 10 len behind Via Sistina carrying 49.5kg at $6.50. The race before that 4th of 11 at Caulfield in the G1 Caul Guineas on October 12 over 1600m, 1.3 len behind Private Life with 57kg at $1.80. Very good last time; he's clearly G1 quality. | ||
Data retrieved: 08/11/2024 05:00:37 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Previously run the Saturday prior on Victoria Derby Day, the Champions Mile was moved ahead of the 2022 edition and now takes place on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup, which runs on the first Tuesday of November.
The Champions Mile now shares the race card at HQ with the recently renamed VRC Champions Stakes – formerly the Mackinnon Stakes – which is also now worth $3 million in prize money.
The other key event on the race card is the Group 1 $3 million Champions Sprint (1200m), formerly known as the VRC Sprint Classic and attracting horses out of Sydney’s $20 million The Everest race.
Any fillies and mares targeting the Champions Mile may have an earlier lead-up run in Sydney’s $2 million The Invitation (1400m). In 2021 The Invitation winner Icebath finished a brave next-up second in the event, which was then held as the Cantala Stakes on Derby Day.
The 2022 Champions Mile form was franked the following autumn with the winner Alligator Blood returning to take out the 2023 Futurity Stakes. The 2022 Champions Mile third place-getter Mr Brightside meanwhile further franked the form completing the All-Star Mile / Doncaster Mile double in 2023.
The 2023 Champions Mile winner in an all-the-way upset was Pride Of Jenni who backed-up off a win in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) the Saturday before on Derby Day.
Pride Of Jenni went on to frank the Champions Mile 2023 form returning in the autumn of 2024 to win the All-Star Mile and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes – the latter by a record 6.5 lengths!
The 2024 Champions Mile runs on Saturday November 9, 2024 as part of the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.
| Champions Mile 2024 – (Formerly the Cantala Stakes) | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday November 9, 2024 |
| Racecourse: | Flemington Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1600m |
| Race Type: | Open Quality |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prizemoney: | $3,000,000 |
2024 Champions Mile Results
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
The Champions Mile 2024 results and finishing order on the event formerly known as the Cantala Stakes will be updated below on Saturday November 9, 2024.
2024 Champions Mile Betting
Champions Mile betting odds open months in advance of the race with all-in markets on the potential milers targeting the $3 million event released by online bookmakers.
The season’s latest Champions Mile 2024 Odds will be available at Ladbrokes.com.au and published here at Races.com.au.
There was a notable upset in 2023 with Pride Of Jenni winning at Champions Mile odds of $13.
2024 Champions Mile Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Champions Mile 2024 Tips on the $3 million middle-distance feature on Stakes Day this spring!
- To Win: #1 Mr Brightside ($5.50 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Great edition of the Champions Mile with plenty of winning hopes including Broadsiding back to 1600m who looks a danger but going to stick with Mr B who is deserving of a return to the winner’s stall. His Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes victory at this track and trip in Heavy going earlier this prep was sensational and he’s been far from disgraced without winning when up against the best of the best all campaign. Latest run had him finishing off strongly behind the incredible eight-length champ Via Sistina when fourth the Cox Plate (2040m). This Team Hayes-trained marvel keeps giving, he’ll relish coming back to 1600m, has a lovely record at Flemington, and is drawn to win in gate four. Back on him.
2024 Champions Mile Form Guide
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2024 CHAMPIONS MILE FORM GUIDE
If you are serious about your betting, you will need a good Champions Mile Form Guide to help in your analysis of the runners. Follow the link to our dedicated page that gives you a run down on the Champions Mile form guide, how to read the information provided in the guide and where to go for the best Champions Mile form guide each season.
2024 Champions Mile Field
The Champions Mile field – formerly known as the Kennedy Cantala field – is normally comprised of the horses from the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) run at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day in late October and graduates of the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) run at Caulfield at the start of October on Caulfield Guineas Day. Fierce Impact (2019) was the last galloper to complete the Toorak Handicap – Kennedy Cantala double in a single season.
The official Champions Mile 2024 Final Field & Barriers are set for release on the Wednesday leading-up to Champions Stakes Day at Flemington, the full list of milers to be published in full below once announced.
The 2024 Champions Mile field features a brilliant line-up of middle-distance starts including Mr Brightside, Cox Plate third placed three-year-old Broadsiding, runaway Toorak Handicap champ Antino, and the defending champion Pride Of Jenni.
Click here to read more on the key runners in the Champions Mile 2024 field and betting markets.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1253×21224 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 4 | 59kg | 118 | ||
| 2 | 64730×0263 | MY OBERON (IRE) | Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | Nash Rawiller | 6 | 59kg | 110 | ||
| 3 | 500x0x2173 | PINSTRIPED | Enver Jusufovic | Ben Allen | 8 | 59kg | 112 | ||
| 4 | 0x160x4331 | ANTINO (NZ) | Tony Gollan | Mark Zahra | 12 | 59kg | 113 | ||
| 5 | 131139×314 | DESERT LIGHTNING (NZ) | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Luke Nolen | 11 | 59kg | 110 | ||
| 6 | 11117×1171 | ANOTHER WIL | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 2 | 59kg | 109 | ||
| 7 | 43x209x658 | NEW ENERGY (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 3 | 59kg | 101 | ||
| 8 | 32x715x894 | VON HAUKE (NZ) | Cliff Brown | Joshua Parr | 1 | 59kg | 98 | ||
| 9 | 2121×52128 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Ben Melham | 7 | 57kg | 121 | ||
| 10 | 174x12x316 | FANGIRL | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 9 | 57kg | 117 | ||
| 11 | 0x220x2252 | AMELIA’S JEWEL | Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | Damian Lane | 10 | 57kg | 112 | ||
| 12 | 42x531x295 | STEFI MAGNETICA | Bjorn Baker | Chad Schofield | 5 | 57kg | 113 | ||
| 13 | 331111×143 | BROADSIDING | James Cummings | Michael Dee | 13 | 52kg | 112 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2024 Champions Mile Nominations
The early Champions Mile Nominations close the Monday of race week and will be updated right here once early entries are confirmed.
The 2024 Champions Mile nominations attracted 20 class gallopers including runaway Toorak Handicap champion Antino, Another Wil on the quick back-up off a second in last Saturday’s The Damien Oliver, smart mare Amelia’s Jewel who was runner-up in Derby Day’s Empire Rose, and weight-for-age hero Mr Brightside who ran second last year.
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0x220x2252 | AMELIA’S JEWEL | M | 5 | Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | 112 |
| 2 | 11117×1171 | ANOTHER WIL | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 109 |
| 3 | 0x160x4331 | ANTINO (NZ) | G | 6 | Tony Gollan | 113 |
| 4 | 8132×96631 | ATISHU (NZ) | M | 7 | Chris Waller | 114 |
| 5 | 331111×143 | BROADSIDING | C | 3 | James Cummings | 112 |
| 6 | 4x618x4083 | DEMOCRACY MANIFEST | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 106 |
| 7 | 131139×314 | DESERT LIGHTNING (NZ) | G | 5 | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 110 |
| 8 | x3x222x7x5 | DOCKLANDS (GB) | H | 5 | Harry Eustace | 110 |
| 9 | 174x12x316 | FANGIRL | M | 6 | Chris Waller | 117 |
| 10 | 2555×72733 | HINGED | M | 6 | Chris Waller | 104 |
| 11 | 1253×21224 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | G | 7 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 118 |
| 12 | 64730×0263 | MY OBERON (IRE) | G | 8 | Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | 110 |
| 13 | 43x209x658 | NEW ENERGY (IRE) | G | 6 | Ciaron Maher | 101 |
| 14 | x73407x803 | NUGGET (GB) | G | 8 | Ciaron Maher | 103 |
| 15 | 500x0x2173 | PINSTRIPED | G | 6 | Enver Jusufovic | 112 |
| 16 | 2121×52128 | PRIDE OF JENNI | M | 7 | Ciaron Maher | 121 |
| 17 | 9x513x2x62 | ROYAL CHAMPION (IRE) | G | 7 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 109 |
| 18 | x2219x5139 | SOUTHPORT TYCOON | H | 4 | Ciaron Maher | 113 |
| 19 | 42x531x295 | STEFI MAGNETICA | M | 4 | Bjorn Baker | 113 |
| 20 | 32x715x894 | VON HAUKE (NZ) | G | 5 | Cliff Brown | 98 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Champions Mile Betting
Champions Mile betting – is always hugely popular as the race runs on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting and features a star-studded field of milers and past Group 1 winners. Check out our dedicated Champions Mile betting page for everything to do with enjoying a punt on the $3 million dollar feature including tips for the Champions Mile Trifecta.
Kennedy Cantala / Champions Mile Winners
Check out our dedicated Champions Mile Results page for a full list of the past Kennedy Cantala / Champions Mile winners.
| YEAR | WINNER | 2ND | 3RD | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2023 | Pride Of Jenni | Mr Brightside | Alligator Blood | 1:34.75 |
| 2022 | Alligator Blood | Tuvalu | Mr Brightside | 1:35.6 |
| 2021 | Superstorm | Icebath | Cascadian | 1:35.2 |
| 2020 | Yulong Prince | Cascadian | Rock | 1:34.5 |
| 2019 | Fierce Impact | Fifty Stars | Cascadian | 1:38.2 |
| 2018 | Best Of Days | Le Romain | Peaceful State | 1:33.6 |
| 2017 | Shillelagh | Tom Melbourne | Wyndspelle | 1:35.0 |
| 2016 | Le Romain | McCreery | Tivaci | 1:34.9 |
| 2015 | Turn Me Loose | Politeness | Rock Sturdy | 1:36.2 |
| 2014 | Hucklebuck | Lucky Hussler | The Cleaner | 1:34.6 |
| 2013 | Boban | Smokin’ Joey | Speediness | 1:36.5 |
| 2012 | Happy Trails | Fawkner | Secret Admirer | 1:35.9 |
| 2011 | Albert The Fat | King’s Rose | Secret Admirer | 1:36.0 |
| 2010 | Wall Street | Dao Dao | Chasm | 1:36.7 |
| 2009 | All American | So You Think | Gold Salute | 1:33.9 |
| 2008 | All Silent | Sea Battle | Mimi Lebrock | 1:35.8 |
| 2007 | Tears I Cry | Bird Dancer | Shinzig | 1:35.2 |
| 2006 | Divine Madonna | Niconero | Valedictum | 1:35.5 |
| 2005 | Valedictum | Infinite Grace | Shania Dane | 1:34.9 |
| 2004 | Sky Cuddle | Lad Of The Manor | Skewiff | 1:39.1 |
| 2003 | Titanic Jack | True Glo | Crawl | 1:34.7 |
| 2002 | Scenic Peak | Crawl | Excellerator | 1:33.4 |
| 2001 | Desert Eagle | Emission | La Bella Dama | 1:37.3 |
| 2000 | Testa Rosaa | Weasel Will | Crawl | 1:35.5 |
Race comments
Fantastic race. FANGIRL (10) is interesting. She struggled off the hot tempo set by PRIDE OF JENNI last time out but hits this race fourth-up and fresher than most. She was given far too much to do when fourth in this race last year, and there's a chance she gets a more comfortable tempo to show her turn of foot this time. ANOTHER WIL (6) can win. He started $2.20 in the G1 Toorak two starts back but bounced back to win the G2 Damien Oliver very well last time. He's on the backup here and draws to stalk and dash, which he did last week. MR BRIGHTSIDE (1) has had five runs this time in and continues to front up and run well. 1600m suits, it's just whether he's over the top. PRIDE OF JENNI (9) loses regular rider Declan Bates who has managed her very well. It'll be interesting to see how fast Melham goes in front. She's had some tough runs of late and could be needing a break, but she's hard to write off because she's outstanding when on.