2020 Kennedy Mile Betting Tips, Best Bookmakers & Free Bets
The Kennedy Mile is one of the premier races during the Melbourne Cup Carnival and it's run on the first of four days at Flemington.
Although many of the best middle-distance horses target other races throughout the spring, the Kennedy Mile gives the other talented thoroughbreds a chance at Group 1 success.
Held on Derby Day, which is the most popular betting card of the year, the Kennedy Mile is another highlight on a card which also includes the Coolmore Stud Stakes
| Date | Saturday October 31, 2020 |
| Track | Flemington |
| Distance | 1600m |
| Class | Group 1 |
| Race Type | Handicap |
| Prize money | $1 million |
| Age | 3YO+ |
Kennedy Mile betting selections and 2020 tips
2020 Kennedy Mile race card
The Kennedy Mile is one of many great races on Derby Day, which also includes the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
| Race Name | 2019 Winner |
|---|---|
| Carbine Club Stakes | Dalasan |
| Wakeful Stakes | Miami Bound |
| TAB Stakes | Kemalpasa |
| Lexus Stakes | Downdraft |
| Coolmore Stud Stakes | Exceedance |
| Empire Rose Stakes | Melody Belle |
| Victorian Derby | Warning |
| Kennedy Mile | Fierce Impact |
| Multiplier Stakes | Tofane |
Kennedy Mile history
The Kennedy Mile has undergone many name changes and it is most commonly known as the Emirates Stakes or Cantala Stakes.
Having been originally run on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Kennedy Mile was moved to the first day in 2016 when won by Le Romain and it is now a permanent fixture alongside the Victoria Derby and Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Worth $1 million, the Kennedy Mile attracts a good field of thoroughbreds that are looking to capture some black type to kick off Cup week.
Past winners include the likes of Gunsynd, Better Loosen Up and All Silent.
It was promoted to a Group 1 in 1979 when Bit Of A Skite was the victor and some of Australia's best milers have won since.
A large field typically lines up which makes for one of the more even betting fields throughout the carnival.
Punters should look for the male horses as only two mares have won since 2000 – Divine Madonna and Sky Cuddle.
It's also a good stallion-making race with All American and Testa Rossa winning before embarking on successful stallion careers.
Cox Plate winner So You Think finished second behind All American in 2009 in track record time.
Happy Trails became the first horse to carry more than 55.5kg to victory since Testa Rossa carried 59kg in 2000.
Kennedy Mile betting guide
The Kennedy Mile is not favoured to punters that enjoy betting on favourites.
Three of the last 10 favourites have won the Kennedy Mile, but since 1983 there has been 19 double-figure winners.
That's one of the highest statistics of any race on the Australian racing calendar and there have been some notable upsets in recent history.
$2.15 favourite Weekend Hussler finished 10th and the likes of So You Think, Fawkner and Emission all finished second.
The favourite has won only six times in the last 35 years and has placed only eight times. That's not a good record for the favourites so look for the runners that haven't been well-found in the betting.
Races to follow form out of for the Kennedy Mile are the Cox Plate, Crystal Mile and Yallambee Stakes.
Three Kennedy Mile winners since 2000 have come through the Cox Plate and seven last-start winners have won.
Barrier 1 has won five times since 1983 with barriers 11 and 14 not resulting in any winners.
Past Kennedy Mile winners
| Year | Kennedy Mile Winner |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Fierce Impact |
| 2018 | Best of Days |
| 2017 | Shillelagh |
| 2016 | Le Romain |
| 2015 | Turn Me Loose |
| 2014 | Hucklebuck |
| 2013 | Boban |
| 2012 | Happy Trails |
| 2011 | Albert The Fat |
| 2010 | Wall Street |
| 2009 | All American |
| 2008 | All Silent |
| 2007 | Tears I Cry |
| 2006 | Divine Madonna |
| 2005 | Valedictum |
| 2004 | Sky Cuddle |
| 2003 | Titanic Jack |
| 2002 | Scenic Peak |
| 2001 | Desert Eagle |
| 2000 | Testa Rossa |
| 1999 | Bonanova |
| 1998 | Bezeal Bay |
| 1997 | Catalan Opening |
| 1996 | Miss Margaret |
| 1995 | Seascay |
| 1994 | Seascay |
| 1993 | Primacy |
| 1992 | Planet Ruler |
| 1991 | Pontormo |
| 1990 | Shaftesbury Avenue |
| 1989 | Better Loosen Up |
| 1988 | Our Westminster |
