New Zealand big guns poised to join All-Star cast for showcase mile
Three of New Zealand’s shining lights are set to join the stampede towards next year’s $5 million All-Star Mile as the momentum begins to grow for Victoria’s showcase autumn mile.
A Kiwi invasion could add firepower and depth to next year’s $5 million All-Star Mile.
Ten-time Group 1 winner Melody Belle and Cox Plate placegetter Te Akau Shark have been nominated for the 1600m showcase event at Caulfield on March 14.
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They join boom colt Catalyst as highly rated Kiwis looking to land the prize.
“The All-Star Mile is a great concept, and we’re excited to be part of it by nominating Te Akau Shark and Melody Belle,” trainer Jamie Richards said.
“They both deserved a spell in the paddock after their spring campaigns.
“The Shark came back into the stable this week and Melody Belle will return on Monday.”
Richards said Te Akau Shark was most likely to kick off in an open sprint in New Zealand.
He said Melody Belle would probably have a few trials at home with a view to starting her in the 1400m Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on February 22.
“Melody Belle is a proven Group 1 performer and the Shark has plenty of X-factor, so we’re very excited about their autumn campaigns,” Richards said.
“Both horses did us proud during the spring racing carnival, and we’d like to think they now have enough fans both here and in Australia to get into the top 10 (in All-Star Mile voting).
“Catalyst looks the real deal. He’s head and shoulders above every other three-year-old over here.”
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Originally published as New Zealand big guns poised to join All-Star cast for showcase mile
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