| Distance | 2000m |
| Grade | Group 1 |
| Track | Flemington |
| Prizemoney | $2,000,000 |
| 2018 winner |
Best of Days ($12.00) |
The Kennedy Mile, also known as the Cantala Stakes, is a rich $2 million handicap race over the Flemington mile scheduled on Derby Day. It's Group One prestige and big purse always attracts a strong field and this year's edition is no different.
In recent years, the males have dominated the Kennedy Mile with only two mares victorious since 2000.
In 2012, Happy Trails became the first runner to win carrying more than 55.5kg, when he lugged 58kg to victory.
All-in betting has the Matthew Smith trained Fierce Impact ($6) the early favourite. A dominant winner of the Group One Toorak Handicap, this former UK based galloper has come a long way this prep and is finally living up to his potential.
In positive news for punters, Craig Williams is booked to ride and is looking to make it back to back Group One wins aboard this galloper.
Night's Watch for Chris Waller sits on the second line of betting after chasing home Fierce Impact last start.
With even luck, he could have finished closer and with the booking of multiple Group One winner Damian Oliver to ride, he must be respected in this race.
| Horse Name | Trainer | Weight |
| CHIEF IRONSIDE (GB) | David Menuisier | 52kg |
| CLIFF’S EDGE | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | 54.5kg |
| BEST OF DAYS (GB) | James Cummings | 56kg |
| TE AKAU SHARK (NZ) | Jamie Richards | 58kg |
| HUMIDOR (NZ) | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | 58kg |
| DREAMFORCE | John Thompson | 58kg |
| VERRY ELLEEGANT (NZ) | Chris Waller | 55.5kg |
| INVINCIBELLA | Chris Waller | 55kg |
| KOLDING (NZ) | Chris Waller | 56kg |
| LAND OF PLENTY | Peter & Paul Snowden | 56kg |
| ROYAL MEETING (IRE) | Saeed Bin Suroor | 55.5kg |
| SAVATIANO | James Cummings | 53.5kg |
| FIFTY STARS (IRE) | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | 55.5kg |
| LIFE LESS ORDINARY (IRE) | Chris Waller | 55.5kg |
| MISTER SEA WOLF (IRE) | Chris Waller | 55.5kg |
| MADISON COUNTY (NZ) | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | 55kg |
| MR QUICKIE | Phillip Stokes | 55kg |
| FIERCE IMPACT (JPN) | Matthew Smith | 55kg |
| STREETS OF AVALON | Shane Nichols | 54.5kg |
| SO SI BON | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | 54.5kg |
| NIGHT’S WATCH (NZ) | Chris Waller | 54.5kg |
| TALLY | James Cummings | 54.5kg |
| GEM SONG | Kris Lees | 54kg |
| PACODALI (IRE) | Lindsey Smith | 54kg |
| YULONG PRINCE (SAF) | Chris Waller | 53.5kg |
| SIKANDARABAD (IRE) | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | 53.5kg |
| ROCK | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | 52.5kg |
| STAR OF THE SEAS (NZ) | Chris Waller | 52.5kg |
| CASCADIAN (GB) | James Cummings | 52.5kg |
| CAPTAIN COOK (GB) | Chris Waller | 52.5kg |
| POHUTUKAWA | James Cummings | 52kg |
| MAHAMEDEIS | Nick Ryan | 52kg |
| ROX THE CASTLE (NZ) | Kerry Edwards | 52kg |
| NOIRE | Chris Waller | 52kg |
| FASTNET TEMPEST (IRE) | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | 52kg |
| ADMIRAL’S JOKER | Kylie Vella | 52kg |
| TOM MELBOURNE (IRE) | Chris Waller | 52kg |
| LOVING GABY | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | 50kg |
| VARIATION | Stephen Miller | 52kg |
| ICONOCLASM | Danny O'Brien | 52kg |
| LOOKS LIKE ELVIS | Bryan Dais | 52kg |
| SO YOU WIN | Chris Waller | 52kg |
| RICH ITCH | Shawn Mathrick | 52kg |
| MANOLO BLAHNIQ (NZ) | Tony Noonan | 52kg |
| MISS SISKA | Grahame Begg | 52kg |
| LE JUGE (IRE) | Chris Waller | 52kg |
| VASSILATOR (NZ) | Colin Little | 52kg |
| A SHIN ROOK (JPN) | Anthony Freedman | 52kg |
| FIDELIA | Robbie Griffiths | 52kg |
| JUNIPAL | Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | 52kg |
| MANDELA EFFECT | Scott Brunton | 52kg |
| MR MONEY BAGS | Robbie Griffiths | 52kg |
| SNOGGING | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 52kg |