Australasia’s darling of the turf Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) is one of 77 entries for the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 19.
Initial nominations for the richest mile race in the world closed on Monday, however, late nominations are set to close on January 17.
Verry Elleegant won her tenth Group One race when taking out last year’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and now the rich mile is in trainer Chris Waller’s sights with his star mare.
She has been joined in the nominations by 14 stablemates, including fellow Kiwi-bred Star of the Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park), who finished sixth in the race last year.
There is a strong New Zealand contingent in the nominations list, including reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel). The Jamie Richards-trained mare finished down the field in last year’s All-Star Mile, with persistent rain and a heavy track conspiring against her, but the four-time Group One winner is certain to attract plenty of votes and the same applies to her compatriot Elephant (NZ) (Shocking), whose unusual name and impressive race record of six wins from nine career starts are sure to catch the eye of voters.
The nominations also include a strong New Zealand-bred flavour, featuring the likes of A$3.7 million earner Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls), A$7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) winner I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking), three-time Group One winner Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park), Group One winner Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma), dual Group Two winner Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel), stakes winner Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), and former Group One-winning Kiwi galloper Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante).
For the full list of 2022 All-Star Mile nominations, click here
Voting for the All-Star Mile opens on 24 January and closes on Sunday 13 February with the top 10 horses making the field together with another five other runners allocated wildcards, plus four emergencies.
