Trainer Richard Litt confirms Cox Plate runner-up Castelvecchio could target the All Star Mile

Melbourne here we come! Gun colt Castelvecchio could be primed for a twin-state autumn assault after being nominated the $5 million All Star Mile at Caulfield next March.

Star colt Castelvecchio is primed for a two-state autumn assault after being nominated for the $5 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield.

In a coup for Racing Victoria, Sydney trainer Richard Litt has confirmed the Cox Plate runner-up is being prepared with feature races in Sydney and Melbourne in mind.

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Castelvecchio returned to Litt’s Warwick Farm stable last week in “magic condition” after a short break that ­included a farm stay at Arrowfield Stud.

The high-profile breeding operation bought a controlling stake in the three-year-old after the son of Dundeel beat all but Japanese superstar Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate.

“He’s in magic condition … that was fantastic for him to get out into the country,” Litt said.

“He’s done amazing up there … it’d be silly not to nominate (for the All-Star Mile).

“Cox Plate form is stacking up greatly with the mare (Magic Wand) running well in Hong Kong, unlucky not to win (the Hong Kong Cup on Sunday).

“We’ve just got to be ­patient, let our horse come up the way he’s coming up and we’re going to have a lot of races on our doorstep, including possibly an All-Star Mile.

“It’s a massive amount of money.”

Castelvecchio is one of Australia’s most exciting three year-old colts. Picture: Getty Images

The Australian Guineas would be the natural launching pad towards the world’s richest mile for Castelvecchio, already a Group 1 winner in Sydney.

Inaugural All-Star Mile winner Mystic Journey — also nominated for next year’s ­renewal — did the double last year.

The $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 11 looms as the colt’s ultimate goal for the autumn before a potential ­return to the Valley in spring.

“We want to keep all our options open,” Litt said.

Sydney-based trainers Richard and Laura Litt with rising star Castelvecchio.

“Sydney (will be) our main focus, (hoping to go down) the same path as Dundeel did, but if the opportunity arises, or something happens, we’ll head to Melbourne.”

Kiwi stallion (It’s A) Dundeel bounced off a fourth placing in the 2013 Hobartville Stakes to win the Randwick Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby at his next three starts.

Castelvecchio is slated to resume in the Hobartville at Rosehill on February 22.

Consistent gelding Noble Boy has also been nominated for the All-Star Mile. He had no luck in the $1 million Gong a fortnight ago.

Nominations for the All-Star Mile close on January 9.

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Originally published as Trainer Richard Litt confirms Cox Plate runner-up Castelvecchio could target the All Star Mile