FAMILY EYES JOLLY OLD TIME IN MILE
The $5m All-Star Mile could double as a family reunion for Peter Jolly should the South Australian trainer join qualified sons Richard and David in the world’s richest 1600m race at The Valley.
Patriarch Jolly’s 11th-hour plea followed the victory of
“It’d be just so great if the three of us can get in, we’d create history,” Jolly said. “I desperately want to get him in the All-Star Mile so I thought if he can win today then he’s got a chance of getting in on a wildcard.” Consistent seven year-old Morvada boasts eight wins and 17 minor placings from his 46 starts. He was runnerup in the
Group 2 Vase (2040m) at The Valley as a three year-old.
“He’s a terrific horse around The Valley,” Jolly said.
“He’s only had one shot there … and led all the way so I’d love to get him back there over a mile.”
David Jolly has dual Group 1-winner Behemoth in the All-Star Mile, while brother Richard, who trains in partnership with daughter Chantelle, leant on Adelaide’s Italian community to qualify Regalo Di Gaetano.
Star jockey Damian Lane, booked to ride Kiwi mare and All-Star Mile equal favourite
Probabeel in the March 13 blockbuster, reinforced Jolly’s wish to earn a golden ticket.
“You know he’ll run well if he goes there (All-Star Mile),” Lane said.
“It’d be lovely if he could get a wildcard and have the three Jollys in the race together.
“He can’t do any more than he’s doing.”
Group 1 winner Shout The Bar is among wildcard frontrunners, along with Mugatoo, who finished 11th in the public vote, and the Australian Guineas trifecta, Lunar Fox, Cherry Tortoni and Tagaloa.
Despite a slashing second at Flemington, Patrick Paynetrained Cherry Tortoni is likely to be aimed at the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at The Valley on All-Star Mile day before a trip to Sydney.
Racing Victoria will announce the five wildcard recipients on Monday.