Damian Lane elated with progress of Inspirational Girl with All-Star Mile berth up for grabs in Blamey Stakes

Zaaki will be scratched from Randwick as the big wet in Sydney decimates the Group 1 meeting.

Zaaki will run in the Blamey Stakes.

Superstar galloper Zaaki will be scratched from the Canterbury Stakes and will take his place in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Trainer Annabel Neasham confirmed on Tuesday evening that her star racehorse will divert to Melbourne.

“With continued rainfall, and further forecast, Zaaki will unfortunately be scratched from this Saturday’s Canterbury Stakes. At this stage, the plan is to now run in the G2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, Inspirational Girl’s work in blinkers has impressed star jockey Damian Lane ahead of the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

The talented Danny O’Brien-trained West Australian mare, who has worn winkers previously, must win the $300,000 feature on Saturday to be assured a start in the $5m All-Star Mile on March 19.

Inspirational Girl opened $4.60 third favourite with TAB behind superstar Zaaki ($2.10) and Mr Brightside ($4.20).

“We’ve always thought Flemington would really suit her, and we hope that’s the case on Saturday,” Lane said.

“I’ve given her a couple of gallops here at Flemington, and she’s worked really well.

“We’re going to go with the blinkers on Saturday and I think that’ll really help her.

“I think she can (get back towards her best), she’s showing us in her trackwork she can.

“The field is quality, but it’s not overly big so that means she won’t have to give them too much of a start, so hopefully she can run well.

“She seems fit and ready to go and ready to run a big race.”

Damian Lane says Inspirational Girl is set to run a big race in the Blamey Stakes. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

It is not uncommon for horses to find an extra length or two with blinkers on.

Anthony and Sam Freedman have won the past two Blue Diamonds saving the valuable gear change for the grand final.

Triple Group 1 winner Zaaki is also slated to run at Flemington on Saturday despite also being entered in the Canterbury Stakes in Sydney, with trainer Annabel Neasham keen to avoid a soaked Randwick.

Despite a crack field, including progressive Corner Pocket ($9) going for nine wins on the trot, Lane, who won the Blamey Stakes last year, said Inspirational Girl felt ready “to run a big race”.

Group 1 Railway Stakes winner Inspirational Girl, who owns perfect distance (3/3) and second-up (3/3) records, ran a credible sixth first-up in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes.

It was only the mare’s second start since December 2020.

“She can improve off that,” Lane said.

“She’s worked really well since, and I’m really happy with how she’s going.

“She gets in on 53kg so she gets the chance to run a big race.”

Inspirational Girl has a 3kg and 6kg advantage on Mr Brightside (56kg) and Zaaki (59kg) respectively.

Lane has yet to lock in a ride for the All-Star Mile but winning the wildcard-qualifying Blamey would cement Inspirational Girl as his “No. 1 seed”.

The Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 12 is an alternative option for Bob Peters-owned Inspirational Girl.

Peters owned the 2020 All Star Mile quinella with Regal Power and Superstorm.

Originally published as Damian Lane elated with progress of Inspirational Girl with All-Star Mile berth up for grabs in Blamey Stakes