Hunter’s tilt at G1 Blue Diamond Stakes success
The All-Star Mile’s elevation to Group 1 status has placed it firmly on the radar of champion trainer Chris Waller.
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 event.
Despite the race being held since 2019, Waller has only had two previous starters—Kolding, who finished seventh in 2020, and Star Of The Seas, who placed sixth in 2021.
This year, Waller has nominated Atishu, Fangirl, Lindermann, Molly Bloom, Private Life, Scarlet Oak, and Via Sistina, joining a total of 53 horses in the entry list.
Waller has confirmed that Atishu will be aimed at the Group 1 contest, while Fangirl’s participation will be determined after her first-up run in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Atishu, Lindermann, and Via Sistina are also set to compete in the race.
“With the All-Star Mile now being a Group 1, it’s definitely more attractive to me,” Waller said.
“She (Fangirl) has returned in great shape. She’s not flashy in trackwork, but she always delivers when it counts.”
“Atishu will take on the All-Star Mile and the Australian Cup. She thrives at Flemington, and both races suit her.”
“She’ll begin her campaign on Saturday before heading down.”
Mr Brightside, who impressed with a determined second-place finish in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, is set to target the All-Star Mile in hopes of becoming the race’s first two-time winner. He secured victory in 2023 at Moonee Valley.
The Lindsay Park-trained galloper will make his fourth All-Star Mile appearance, having placed fourth in 2022 behind Zaaki and finishing runner-up to Pride Of Jenni last year.
Pinstriped has also been entered again after finishing 10th in the 2023 edition, while Pride Of Jenni returns to training with Ciaron Maher after last competing in the Champions Mile at Flemington last November.
Melbourne Cup victor Knight’s Choice is also among the nominations, representing trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon.
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