The Gong: Every Runner Breakdown, Tips, and Predicted Finishing Order

The $1 million Gong promises a seriously competitive mile, with big odds, big chances, and plenty for punters to get excited about. Our best bet and value play for the meeting are ready to go — don’t jump into the markets without them.

Our experts have crunched the data, mapped every scenario, and pinpointed which runners are ready to peak on the big stage. Don’t miss our best bet, and value selections at the bottom — they could be the key to unlocking a serious collect this weekend.

1. Gringotts — 61kg — Barrier 7 — $2.15

Why he can win

The class runner and flying this prep. Maps perfectly behind the speed with Nash aboard.

Why he can’t win

Gives weight to the field and is deep into his campaign.

Summary: Clear top pick — predicted 1st | $2.15 win / $1.27 place – Bet Here

2. Duke De Sessa — 58.5kg — Barrier 4 — $26.00

Why he can win

Quality horse resuming and trialled well. Sharp turn of foot when right.

Why he can’t win

Best suited over further and may be outsprinted fresh.

Summary: Knockout hope — predicted 10th | $26 win / $5.00 place – Bet Here

3. Estadio Mestalla — 55.5kg — Barrier 19 — $7.00

Why he can win

Enormous late last start and flying this prep. Huge engine.

Why he can’t win

Gate 19 is brutal and he can’t afford to get buried.

Summary: Big late threat — predicted 2nd | $7.00 win / $2.40 place – Bet Here

4. New Endeavour — 55.5kg — Barrier 2 — $21.00

Why he can win

New stable, perfect draw, and tactical speed to control his own luck.

Why he can’t win

Not a prolific winner and can get stuck in traffic.

Summary: Honest — predicted 8th | $21 win / $4.80 place – Bet Here

5. Victoria Road — 55.5kg — Barrier 8 — $91.00

Why he can win

Classy horse on his day and trialled well. Weight drop helps.

Why he can’t win

Form has fallen off a cliff.

Summary: Needs big improvement — predicted 14th | $91 win / $11 place – Bet Here

6. Waterford — 55kg — Barrier 14 — $35.00

Why he can win

Has a strong finishing burst on his day and drops in grade.

Why he can’t win

Patchy form and a poor map.

Summary: Risky — predicted 12th | $35 win / $6.00 place – Bet Here

7. Territory Express — 54kg — Barrier 20 — $41.00

Why he can win

Good return last start and can settle handy.

Why he can’t win

Gate 20 is a savage task.

Summary: Outsider — predicted 16th | $41 win / $7.50 place – Bet Here

8. Loch Eagle — 54kg — Barrier 18 — $101.00

Why he can win

Drops sharply in weight and has talent on his day.

Why he can’t win

Too far out of form to trust.

Summary: Needs a miracle — predicted 19th | $101 win / $15 place – Bet Here

11. Port Lockroy — 54kg — Barrier 15 — $35.00

Why he can win

Blinkers on and a big weight drop — may spark a turnaround.

Why he can’t win

Awful form profile this prep.

Summary: Hard to have — predicted 17th | $35 win / $6.50 place – Bet Here

12. Sandpaper — 53.5kg — Barrier 11 — $34.00

Why he can win

Maps well and rarely runs a bad race.

Why he can’t win

Doesn’t finish strongly enough at this level.

Summary: Midfield chance — predicted 11th | $34 win / $6.50 place – Bet Here

13. Tavi Time — 53.5kg — Barrier 16 — $7.50

Why he can win

Flying this prep and was stiff last start. Drops weight and loves the mile.

Why he can’t win

Barrier 16 means he’ll need luck in transit.

Summary: Strong chance — predicted 4th | $7.50 win / $2.50 place – Bet Here

14. Amor Victorious — 53kg — Barrier 1 — $10.00

Why he can win

Draws to control the race and is tough on-speed.

Why he can’t win

Late strength has been lacking this campaign.

Summary: Can give cheek — predicted 7th | $10 win / $3.00 place – Bet Here

15. Democracy Manifest — 53kg — Barrier 5 — $35.00

Why he can win

Great draw and always capable of a sharp late burst.

Why he can’t win

Form has fallen away badly this prep.

Summary: Prefer others — predicted 15th | $35 win / $6.50 place – Bet Here

16. Palmetto — 53kg — Barrier 12 — $51.00

Why he can win

Honest horse who sticks on well when conditions suit.

Why he can’t win

Struggling this prep and lacks late impact.

Summary: Outsider — predicted 18th | $51 win / $7.50 place – Bet Here

17. Regal Azmon — 53kg — Barrier 13 — $41.00

Why he can win

Consistent and usually hits the line late.

Why he can’t win

Not quite up to this level.

Summary: Could place — predicted 9th | $41 win / $7.50 place – Bet Here

18. Ducasse — 54kg — Barrier 9 — $21.00

Why he can win

Maps perfectly, honest as they come, and has been finishing well.

Why he can’t win

Lacks a real knockout blow.

Summary: Competitive — predicted 6th | $21 win / $5.00 place – Bet Here 

19. Shadizi — 53kg — Barrier 6 — $31.00

Why he can win

Good draw and has been luckless recently.

Why he can’t win

Doesn’t win often and struggles to put races away.

Summary: Place chance — predicted 13th | $31 win / $6.00 place – Bet Here

20. Touristic — 54kg — Barrier 3 — $151.00

Why he can win

Soft draw and can settle closer than usual.

Why he can’t win

Outclassed and out of form.

Summary: Rank outsider — predicted 20th | $151 win / $18 place – Bet Here

Best Bet

Gringotts — $2.15 / $1.27

He’s simply the class of the race and maps to get every possible chance. Hard to beat – Bet Here

Value Play

Estadio Mestalla — $7.00 / $2.40

Flying, powerful late turn of foot, and great value if he gets any luck from the draw – Bet Here