The champion mare was described as the darling of the turf by racecaller Matt Hill when she won the Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November and so she proved as she topped the tallyboard for the fan-voted race when the top 10 were announced today.
The Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant received the most votes, with Group 1 Paramount+ Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) hero Zaaki also polling strongly to finish with the third most votes, adding a strong Melbourne Cup Carnival flavour to the top 10.
Four of the top 10 – Mr Brightside, Regalo di Gaetano, Elephant and King Magnus – will contest Saturday’s Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) on Black Caviar Lightning Race Day at Flemington, an important lead-up to the Group 2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) which offers a wildcard spot into The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile.
Another intriguing Melbourne Cup Carnival winner to land in the top 10 is Listed Off The Track Desirable Stakes (1400m) victress Espiona. Despite her first defeat last weekend in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) in Sydney, trainer Chris Waller now has the option to tackle The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile after her next run in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m).
American import Lighthouse, winner of the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) on New Year’s Day, adds an international flavour to the contest while Group 1 winners I’m Thunderstruck, Behemoth and Listed winner King Magnus complete the top 10.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said he was excited to welcome such a talented group of horses to mark the culmination of the Flemington Racing Spectacular, which will be held over the first three Saturdays in March.
“The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile is a fitting finale to the Flemington Racing Spectacular, with three weeks of thrilling action on and off the track,” Mr Rosich said.
“The focus of the racing world will be on Flemington from Australian Guineas Race Day on March 5, through Super Saturday featuring the Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap and the TAB Australian Cup on March 12 and finally The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile Race Day on March 19.
“We are honoured to host The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile for the second time, having been the inaugural hosts in 2019, and we look forward to welcoming the best horses in the land to Flemington throughout March.”
For more information or to purchase tickets to The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile Race Day at Flemington, click here.
Image caption: Verry Elleegant after winning the Lexus Melbourne Cup (Credit: Racing Photos)
