Imported galloper Zaaki is being set for the world’s richest mile race which returns to Flemington.
The fourth edition of the $5 million The All-Star Mile will be run at Flemington on March 19 and the Annabel Neasham-trained galloper is now among the entries.
A three-time Group 1 winner, Zaaki is currently spelling having taken out the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival to wind up his spring campaign.
Neasham inspected the gelding on Wednesday and said the gelding looked in fantastic order.
Zaaki is part-owned by Victoria Racing Club Chairman Neil Wilson and the gelding is expected to run second-up in the All-Star Mile.
“The All-Star Mile is a very attractive race for Zaaki,” Neasham said.
“We’d want to have him wound up and ready to go so we’d probably look to have one lead-up race in Sydney before taking him to Melbourne.
“We’ll likely only give him three runs during the autumn because we’re very keen to bring him back down to Melbourne for the Cox Plate at the end of next year.
“His spring campaign was a real rollercoaster ride, obviously we were very disappointed to have to withdraw him from the Cox Plate on the morning of the race, but to win the Mackinnon was a pretty big consolation prize.
“There are a few VRC people in his ownership group, so I’m sure it would’ve been a huge thrill for them to see him win the Mackinnon in such style on their home track.”
Neasham has also entered another import Top Ranked for the All-Star Mile.
Top Ranked in part-owned by Australian Bloodstock who won last year’s running of The All-Star Mile with Mugatoo at The Valley.
Others already entered for The All-Star Mile include Superstorm, Aegon, I’m Thunderstruck and Behemoth while nominations close on January 10.