A typically competitive renewal of the bet365 Mile sees eight older milers line up, several of whom bring Group-level form or untapped potential into the new season. With the ground currently described as good (good to soft in places on the round course) and an even pace expected, this should be a fair test for those with a strong finishing kick.


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Strongest Contender

LEAD ARTIST (TFR: 135)
John and Thady Gosden’s colt sets the standard on Timeform adjusted ratings and looks a Group 1 performer in the making. He progressed steadily last year, winning the Darley Stakes at Newmarket and chasing home Spirit Dancer in Bahrain to end the season. That performance came over 1¼m, but he’s fully effective at a mile. The Gosden yard is in excellent form and has landed this race twice in the past ten years (notably with Palace Pier in 2021). A strong traveller with proven class, Lead Artist can go very close if ready on return — the market should be watched for signs of confidence.


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Main Dangers

DANCING GEMINI (IRE) (TFR: 130)
Roger Teal’s star warmed up in style at Doncaster, bolting up in a listed race by almost four lengths. That confirmed he’s trained on at four, and he’s another who could end up at the top table this season. He’ll likely be ridden cold and produced late, which is a slight concern in an evenly run race, but his turn of foot is not in doubt. His rating reflects his upward curve.

TAMFANA (GER) (TFR: 131)
The only filly in the line-up, Tamfana was a Group 1 winner against her own sex and finished a solid third behind Charyn in the QEII last October. She handles Sandown (won the Atalanta here) and stays a mile well. David Menuisier’s yard is capable of getting one ready fresh, but she’s been off 188 days, so any signs of weakness in the market should be noted.

HAATEM (IRE) (TFR: 132)
This likeable colt is the definition of battle-hardened. He held his form well in Group 1 company last year and ended the campaign with a victory in the Jersey Stakes. He’s the likely pace angle here, which could see him traded shorter in-running, and he’ll be hard to pass if allowed a breather. Richard Hannon took this race with Night of Thunder in 2015, and Haatem’s forward style could see him outstay flashier types.

ALCANTOR (FR) (TFR: 130+)
The French raider arrives off back-to-back wins at Saint-Cloud, including the Group 3 Prix Edmond Blanc. A tall, strong colt who stays further than a mile, he will appreciate any ease underfoot and represents respected connections in André Fabre and Ryan Moore. While he brings form from softer French races, he’s been off for 27 days and must prove himself outside his home circuit.


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Others to Note

ICE MAX (TFR: 129) has form in decent handicaps but was well beaten in his last two runs of 2024. He could try to force the pace but looks vulnerable on ratings.

CICERO’S GIFT (TFR: 125) and CASH (IRE) (TFR: 127) return from layoffs after being gelded. Both have smart past form but need a major step forward. Monitor the market for signs of revival.



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Trends to Consider

9 of the last 10 winners were aged 4 or 5.

7 of the last 10 winners returned off a break of 100+ days, so fitness on return is not necessarily a negative.

7 of the last 10 winners had run at Group level previously.

John Gosden has won the race twice in the last decade, and Richard Hannon once.



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Verdict

Lead Artist sets the benchmark on form and ratings and looks ready to make the step into Group 1 company this season, assuming he’s fully tuned up after 161 days off. Both Dancing Gemini and Tamfana bring strong recent form and closing speed into the race, while Haatem looks the likeliest to boss things from the front and could be dangerous if allowed a soft lead. Alcantor is harder to gauge but has to be respected on connections alone.

Selection: Lead Artist
Main dangers: Dancing Gemini, Haatem, Tamfana
Watch the market: for fitness clues on Lead Artist, Tamfana, and Alcantor.