Tassie’s mighty mares on track

TOP Tasmanian mares Mystic Journey and Still a Star will remain on collision courses as they make their way towards the $1m Group 1 Empire Rose over 1600m at Flemington at the end of next month.

Both mares contested the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, with Adam Trinder’s mare Mystic Journey finishing second and a long neck in advance of the Bill Ryan-trained Still a Star, that was a game third.

Ryan had already confirmed his stable star would progress next to the Rose of Kingston over 1400m at Flemington in three weeks and then to the Empire Rose four weeks later.

On Sunday, Trinder confirmed Mystic Journey would also follow that path, although the trainer said his mare could also run in the Tristarc Stakes in between the Rose of Kingston and the Empire Rose.

“Depending on how she comes through the Rose of Kingston, my mare could tackle the Tristarc but that will only be if I think she needs another run going into the Empire Rose,” Trinder said.

Mystic Journey finished with the best sectionals over the final 800m in the Let’s Elope and her closing 200m was the fastest on the ninerace card.

“I was very pleased with my

mare’s sectionals, in particular the last 400m, so provided everything is well with her she will proceed as planned.”

Ryan was equally as impressed with Still a Star’s effort.

“My mare did a great job under the circumstances, and I had a feeling she went into the race one trial short,” Ryan said.

“Minnie (Still a Star’s stable name) showed she is going to be up to the best as we head towards the Empire Rose and will most likely meet Majestic Journey again in the Rose of Kingston.

“It was great to see Tassie’s two best mares looking winning chances in the home straight at Flemington and no doubt they both will take plenty of benefit from their first-up runs.

“My mare will go back for the Rose of Kingston in three weeks but that will be her last run before the Empire Rose.”