The Queen of Tasmania Mystic Journey is the new 2019 Cox Plate favourite after defeating a quality field in the inaugural running of the $5m All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington today.
Anthony Darmanin salutes as Mystic Journey, above, crosses the line to win the 2019 All-Star Mile at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Bookie at Ladbtokes.com.au have installed Mystic Journey as the $5 favourite over the Chris Waller trained The Autumn Sun at $6 for the Group 1 $5m Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Tassie trainer Adam Trinder is confident that Mystic Journey will step up to the 2040m for the Cox Plate and take over the mantle from the mighty mare Winx who has won the last four running of the ‘Weight For Age Championship’.
“To move forward to a mile and a quarter (2000m), I think that give us confidence for the Spring so it is terribly exciting,” Trinder said.
“I don’t think we are anywhere near the base of her yet.”
“Every time we race her she is better than the last. She just blended in, three wide with no cover today and just kept galloping all the way to the line.”
Tasmanian based jockey Anthony Darmanin had no luck from a wide barrier in the fourteen horse field and was caught three wide without cover for the majority of the race, but that didn’t deter Mystic Journey pouncing on the leaders and race away to record a one and a quarter lengths win over the James Cummings trained veteran Hartnell ($13).
Hugh Bowman gave third placegetter Alizee ($4.20) a first class ride and presented her at the right time in the straight but the Group 1 winning mare couldn’t match it with Mystic Journey and was pipped on the post for second by her stablemate Hartnell.
All-Star Mile wildcard entry Mystic Journey had the majority of support in the betting ring and was sent out as the $3.60 favourite on the strength of her last start win in the Group 1 $1m Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington a fortnight ago.
Adam Trinder said that he was happy to take the spoils from the All-Star Mile win but still rated Mystic Journey’s Australian Guineas win as her major achievement.
“We didn’t get in (the All-Star Mile) on the vote, but we made here on the wild card and thankfully she was deserved,” Trinder said.
“The Group 1 was the pinnacle for us. It was out major target.”
