After achieving Group 1 status, the All-Star Mile has become a prominent target for renowned trainer Chris Waller.
The nominations for the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8 closed on Tuesday, with Waller entering seven horses in the $2.5 million race.
Since its inception in 2019, Waller has had only two participants in the race, finishing seventh with Kolding in 2020 and sixth with Star Of The Seas the following year.
Waller’s entries for this year include Atishu, Fangirl, Lindermann, Molly Bloom, Private Life, Scarlet Oak, and Via Sistina, all among the 53 total nominations received on Tuesday.
Waller has indicated that Atishu will be targeted for the Group 1 race, while Fangirl might also be headed to Melbourne, depending on her performance in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, where Via Sistina, Atishu, and Lindermann are also scheduled to return.
“This year the All-Star Mile is a Group 1, which is a bit of a drawcard for me,” Waller remarked.
“She (Fangirl) has come back well. She’s a plain Jane, she doesn’t give you much until race day.”
“Atishu, she’ll run in the All-Star Mile and the Australian Cup. She loves Flemington, and both races are at Flemington.”
“She’ll kick off on Saturday and then head down.”
Mr Brightside, who made a strong return with a second-place finish in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, is aiming to become the first horse to win the All-Star Mile twice, after his victory in 2023 at Moonee Valley.
This will be the Lindsay Park champion’s fourth attempt at the All-Star Mile, following a fourth-place finish in 2022 behind Zaaki and second last year to Pride Of Jenni at Caulfield.
Pinstriped has been nominated for another attempt, having finished 10th in last year’s race. Pride Of Jenni is also back in work with trainer Ciaron Maher after not racing since finishing last behind Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile at Flemington last November.
Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice is also among the nominations for John Symons and Sheila Laxon.
