SAFE JOURNEY

Tassie filly checks in for All-Star Mile assault

STAR Tasmanian three-yearold filly Mystic Journey has had a smooth and trouble-free Bass Strait crossing to arrive in Melbourne fresh and ready for her tilt at the inaugural $5 million All-Star Mile over 1600m at Flemington today at 5.10pm.

Mystic Journey was loaded on to the boat at Devonport on Thursday night and her trainer Adam Trinder said she travelled as well as ever, maybe even better than before.

“She travelled really well and stuck her head in the feed bin as soon as she stepped foot off the truck,” Trinder said.

“She has a pretty good idea now of what goes on when she has to race interstate. She seemed alert and bright this morning but settled at the same time, so that is very encouraging heading into such a big race.”

Trinder is trying to treat this race like any other, despite there being a huge payday at the end should she win.

“I’ve kept everything in place as far as the filly’s travel arrangements and accommodation which should ensure she stays settled during the trip,” he said. “I have to stay focused on doing things I normally do and that way she shouldn’t feel any extra pressure.”

Mystic Journey comes off a brilliant win in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) which was her main mission this preparation. Her jockey Anthony Darmanin has delivered the goods in the saddle throughout this campaign and he is also trying to keep a lid on his emotions before the race.

“I’ve put my trust in this filly at every start this time in so that’s what I’ll be doing [today],” Darmanin said.

Owner Wayne Roser, a former Sydney barrister, is also trying to treat this as just another race.

But when there is a possibility that $2.25 million could be lodged into his bank account if she wins, he could be excused for finding it difficult to drop off to sleep on the eve of the race.

While Mystic Journey made her way into the field of 14 courtesy of receiving a wildcard entry, another Tasmanian-trained and owned star, Hellova Street, came close to securing a late call-up for the race.

The Scott Brunton-trained gelding was named as third emergency and when stewards confirmed three of the final acceptors required stewards’ inspections to determine their fitness to compete, a start for Hellova Street became a possibility.

One of the final acceptors, Foundry, was withdrawn and that opened the door for first emergency La Romain to take his place.

But the other two passed the vet’s test leaving Hellova Street stranded in the list of emergencies.

However, Hellova Street will race at Flemington today in the March Stakes over 1400m in which he is one of the favourites at $6.50.

The James Cummingstrained mare Alizee is favourite to win the All-Star Mile firming from $4 to $3.80 yesterday.

Mystic Journey is the solid second elect at $4 ahead of Happy Clapper ($4.50) with Hawkshot and Amphitrite the next best at $11 and $12 respectively.

The All-Star Mile is race eight on the nine-event card and is scheduled to start at 5.10pm.