In-form trainer Tom Dabernig has put forward a case for Flying Mascot to be given a ‘wildcard’ into the All-Star Mile after her all-the-way win at Flemington.
Flying Mascot was among nominations for the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 19 but was not among the list of 10 horses from the ‘fan-vote’ announced earlier this month.
The winners of Saturday’s C F Orr Stakes (1400m) and the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington next week are offered a spot in the All-Star Mile with three ‘wildcards’ to be voted on by Racing Victoria.
Dabernig said Flying Mascot did her chances of gaining a ‘wildcard’ no harm with her impressive win in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
Sent out the $1.85 favourite under Blaike Mcdougall, Flying Mascot scored by 1-¼ lengths from Under My Spell ($9.50) with Kahma Lass ($8.50) a further 1-½ lengths away third.
Pleading his case for an All-Star Mile start, Dabernig said Flying Mascot was an in form mare which is what the race requires.
“To be honest, if it doesn’t happen, we’ve got the spring and she won’t have too busy an autumn,” Dabernig said.
Dabernig said he would see how Flying Mascot gets over Saturday’s race and may consider a Blamey start next Saturday.
But he said the Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 12 and the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on March 25 were suitable back options.
“They’re two good races,” Dabernig said.
“I think there is improvement to come. She sweated up a bit and I think she’ll be better for the run.
“Possibly she was a little bit fresh but being second-up I was purposely quite kind on her after I thought she dug deep at her first-up run and there’s a couple of nice mile races coming up.”
“Flying Mascot’s going to win the Mannerism.”She was the short-priced favourite for a reason @dabernigracing @BlaikeMcDougall pic.twitter.com/momubabcZO