Written by Paul Vettise
An All-Star Mile plan hatched months ago continues to gain momentum with Group 1 winner Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) successful at the Cranbourne trials to show he was on target for a first-up tilt at the world’s richest 1600 metre event.
Mr Quickie showed his staying talent last winter when he beat subsequent G1 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) in the G1 Queensland Derby, but it was a spring performance that had trainer Phillip Stokes and his owners zeroing in on the All-Star Mile.
The 4-year-old made his first appearance post-Derby in the G1 Makybe Diva S. and rattled home to finish third, hence the focus on tackling Saturday week’s $5 million feature without a preparatory run.
“It’s been planned a fair way back after doing what he did last preparation,” Stokes said. “He's ticking over really nicely. I'm looking forward to the All-Star Mile.
"He will acquit himself well. First-up last time in it was a really good field and he ran super.”
“It’s been planned a fair way back after doing what he did last preparation.” - Phillip Stokes
Mr Quickie was spelled after his runner-up finish in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup in October and, since his return, he has finished second in a Werribee trial and now won his last two outings at Cranbourne.
Mr Quickie will compete in the All-Star Mile with Damien Oliver aboard
On Tuesday morning in the hands of his confirmed All-Star jockey Damien Oliver, the gelding settled off the pace in his 900 metre heat before finishing too well one off the fence in the straight to beat Kardashing (Redoute’s Choice).
"That was very good for a horse that’s going to be running a mile. He's shaping up pretty much the same as last time. He's probably just a bit stronger and more mature this time around, so that stands him in good stead," Stokes said.
"That was very good for a horse that’s going to be running a mile.” – Phillip Stokes
He was also delighted with the trial efforts of stablemates Defiant Dancer (Foxwedge) and Terbium (Terrango). The former was in or near the lead all the way in his 800 metre hitout and kicked away under Luke Nolan to score by 2.25l.
The 3-year-old hasn’t been seen out since he ran second behind the All-Star Mile contender Heart Of Puissance (Puissance De Lune {Ire}) at The Valley in November. Prior to that, he had run fourth in the Listed Gothic S. claimed by subsequent G1 CF Orr S. winner Alabama Express (Redoute’s Choice).
Defiant Dancer as a yearling
Terbium was unbeaten in his first four career appearances, including success in last year’s G3 Zeditave S. and while he hasn’t won since, his trial effort for second behind the Sydney stakes-winner Prophet’s Thumb (I Am Invincible) was encouraging.
Among the 2-year-olds, the quickest 800 metre heat winner was the Logan McGill-trained Want To Doo (Toronado {Ire}), who clocked 45.60s. He kicked clear into the straight and held out the fast-finishing Sermononthemount (Love Conquers All).
Want To Doo as a yearling
He was purchased by McGill for $70,000 out of Bombora Downs’ Inglis Premier Sale draft and is a son of Flying Hostess (Host {Chi}).
The dam is from the family of the G1 WATC Derby winner Firing Range (Kala Dancer {GB}), the G1 Schweppes Oaks winner Just Discreet (Shamardal {USA}) and Serenely Discreet ( Exceed And Excel), who won the G2 Edward Manifold S.
