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Star Tasmanian mare Mystic Journey makes her racing return in the Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington.

Tasmanian trainer Adam Trinder says he will be disappointed if Mystic Journey does not fill a place in her return run from surgery. 

The inaugural winner of the All-Star Mile makes her return in the Group 2 Let's Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday and Trinder says she is primed for the race. 

Mystic Journey had knee surgery after finishing fifth to Star Of The Seas in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in February. 

Trinder has given the mare a slow build-up for her return to racing which is aimed at adding another Group 1 win to her record in the Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on October 30. 

Mystic Journey took out the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in 2019 before returning two weeks later to capture the first running of the All-Star Mile. 

Trinder has given Mystic Journey three barrier trials to have her primed for Saturday. 

"The first trial was really quiet, the second trial we asked her for a little bit more and the third trial I wanted her to have a healthy blow, go back, travel and hit the line, which she did," Trinder told RSN. 

"She showed good enthusiasm. She travelled up on the bridle and let down and extended well." 

Trinder expects Mystic Journey, who will be ridden by Luke Nolen, will settle in the second half of the field after drawing barrier 12. 

"A pass mark is to hit the line and top three," Trinder said. 

"Anything less and we are probably going to question where we are at, barring unusual circumstances. 

"She's wound up with a good base and is there to give a good account of herself." 

Depending on her performance on Saturday, Trinder is planning for Mystic Journey to run in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 2. 

Trinder will then make a call on whether Mystic Journey requires another run prior to the Empire Rose.