Bendigo trainer Josh Julius keeping All-Star Mile dream alive despite Just Folk setback

An All-Star Mile start is still a dream for Bendigo trainer Josh Julius despite ruling his charge Just Folk out of Saturday’s crucial Blamey Stakes at Flemington.

Just Folk has missed work due to a foot abscess but trainer Josh Julius will aim the Crystal Mile winner at a race in Sydney next Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

The likelihood of getting a start is slim but Bendigo trainer Josh Julius hasn’t given up on an All-Star Mile start for Group 2 winner Just Folk.

Saturday’s Group 2 Blamey Stakes is the last chance for hopefuls to win their way into the $5m event on March 19.

But Just Folk won’t be ready for the Blamey Stakes after missing work due to a foot abscess.

The minor setback forced Julius to change his thinking on the All-Star Mile while maintaining his focus on getting Just Folk to next month’s Group 1 Doncaster Mile in Sydney.

Julius plans to take Just Folk to Sydney for next Saturday’s Group 2 Ajax Stakes.

Winning that race would provide a glimmer of hope for an All-Star Mile start on the following Saturday.

Just Folk was a strong winner of the Group 2 Crystal Mile at The Valley on Cox Plate day. Picture: Michael Klein

“While the All-Star Mile is not our aim at the moment, it’s still on the table to a degree,” Julius said.

“It’s probably something we would consider if a wildcard spot happened to pop up.

“As far as percentages go, I don’t know how confident I would be, but it’s certainly not off the radar.”

The huge prizemoney on offer made the All-Star Mile an irresistible race for Just Folk but the timing of the rich race was perfect from Doncaster Mile viewpoint.

“He’s a horse that has backed up well before, especially at Flemington,” Julius said.

“It’s a big carrot and its two weeks before the Doncaster.

“It probably times OK for a Doncaster to have another blow out.”

Originally published as Bendigo trainer Josh Julius keeping All-Star Mile dream alive despite Just Folk setback