Last year’s winner Mystic Journey won’t get the chance to defend her crown after being withdrawn from the $5m The All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 14.

Mystic Journey, above, won't defend her crown in The All-Star Mile at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Mystic Journey, above, won’t defend her crown in The All-Star Mile at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Tasmanian trainer Adam Trinder informed Racing Victoria’s Stewards this morning that Mystic Journey won’t be ready to run a tough 1600m in six weeks time but will be aimed towards other suitable races during the 2020 Autumn Carnival.

Racing Victoria Stewards released the following statement outlining Trinder’s decision:

“Trainer Adam Trinder has this morning contacted Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards requesting that defending champion Mystic Journey be withdrawn from The All-Star Mile 2020.

“The decision was made by Mr Tinder and the mare’s owners due to an injury-interrupted preparation and the stable’s view that she may not be in peak condition in time for The All-Star Mile on Saturday, 14 March at Caulfield.

“Mr Trinder also advised the Stewards that at this time it is his intention to continue with the mare’s preparation for other races during the Autumn period.

“The All-Star Mile was the only current Victorian nomination held by Mystic Journey.”

Mystic Journey was the star three year old during the 2019 Melbourne Autumn Carnival and as well as winning the inaugural running of The All-Star Mile, the filly was also the winner of the Group 1 $1m Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington a fortnight earlier.

Mystic Journey is the winner of eleven of her seventeen race starts with prizemoney earnings of $3,731,000.

Mystic Journey was among the early favourites for The All-Star Mile at $9 with Ladbrokes.com.au who has Queensland gun three year old Alligator Blood and Kiwi star Melody Belle sharing early favouritism at $7.

Early betting for the 2020 All-Star Mile at Ladbrokes.com.au: $7 Alligator Blood, Melody Belle, $8 Kolding, $9 Catalyst, $15 Castelvecchio, Mr Quickie, $17 Super Seth, $19 Dalasan, $21 Regal Power, Scales Of Justice, $26 Fierce Impact, Avilius, Alizee, $31 Kubrick, $34  Begood Toya Mother, $41 Flit, Loving Gaby, Harlech, Heart Of Puissance, $51 or better the rest.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.