Champions Mile Tips & Predictions 2026: Best Bets

It’s hard to look past Autumn Glow, who comes into this race chasing a fourth consecutive victory, and she is the class runner of the field.

The Chris Waller-trained mare has been outstanding this preparation, winning the Group 2 7 Stakes before producing another dominant performance in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes over a mile at Randwick.

She gets an excellent draw in barrier 2, carries just 57kg and has James McDonald aboard. That combination gives her every opportunity to settle just off the speed before unleashing her trademark turn of foot.

The Flemington straight should suit her, and although the price is short, she looks the horse they all have to beat. We’re happy to put her on top in our Champions Mile predictions, and we can’t see her being beaten.

Tom Kitten looks one of the better value runners in the race, particularly after his encouraging second behind Lindermann in the Group 2 Craven Plate.

He was also third in the Epsom Handicap earlier in the preparation, so his recent form suggests he’s getting close to another big performance.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained gelding draws barrier 6, with Mark Zahra taking the ride. He’s a proven Group 1 performer and has the class to challenge the favourite if things fall his way.

The 1600m looks ideal, and he should appreciate the return to a mile after racing over 1800m last start, so if Autumn Glow has an off day, he could be there to strike if he gets a nice trip in transit.

Buckaroo is an interesting runner at a double-figure price, particularly after his strong second-place finish in the Crystal Mile.

The Chris Waller-trained import showed plenty of fight in that performance and looks capable of improving again third-up.

He draws barrier 7, with Ben Melham booked for the ride, and should get his opportunity to settle into the race before making his run down the Flemington straight. Having the long straight is good for him, as he needs time to warm up.

At around $14, there’s enough value to include him in our Champions Mile tips. He only needs to be at his best to figure in the finish, so include him for value.

Punters get value odds with our Champions Mile SRM, which includes our three selected runners.

We have Autumn Glow to Win, Tom Kitten Top 3, and Buckaroo Top 4, which pays $5.40 for our three-runner SRM.

The odds are huge for our same race multi, with Autumn Glow at skinny odds, but all three runners should have a good chance of collecting for punters.