Tasmanian galloper Mystic Journey capped off an already impressive Autumn with a win in Saturday’s inaugural All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
A fortnight on from claiming the Australian Guineas , Adam Trinder’s three-year-old won by a length from second place-getter Hartnell in a thrilling race to the finish.
The richest mile race on turf lived up to expectations as Mystic Journey exploded down the outside with jockey Anthony Darmanin on board. Lost among the field early on, the filly by Needs Further had a hard run off the track, and while all eyes were on the looming Alizee, it was Mystic Journey hitting the line strongly to claim the $5 million prize-money.
“The Group 1 was obviously the pinnacle a fortnight ago, but to win the richest mile race in the world with her only two weeks later, she’s a filly on an upwards spiral,” Trinder said after the race.
Mystic Journey will now head to the paddock after winning both the Australian Guineas and the All-Star Mile this month. Photo Credit: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Mystic Journey has now won well over a $1 million in prize-money thanks to her last two starts alone. The $11,000 yearling purchase went around as the favourite on Saturday, and now looks headed towards October’s Cox Plate (2040m) following a spell.
“We don’t know where the bottom of her is. We’ll protect her and look after her, and might be able to take over the mantle of Winx” Trinder went on to say.
Mystic Journey has firmed from $13.00 into $6.00 for the Cox Plate, and while mighty mare Winx may or may not be present at Moonee Valley, Trinder still thinks there’s tremendous upside to his filly.
“I don’t think we’re anywhere near the base of her yet. Every time we race she’s better than the last, she just blended in three deep no cover today just galloping all the way to the line, so the move to a mile gives us confidence for the Spring, and it’s terribly exciting.”
Third place-getter Alizee ran home strongly weaving through traffic for trainer James Cummings. Second plate-getter Hartnell, also of the Godolphin stable, lived up to his reputation as one of the most resilient horses in Australia.
