3 minute read

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

In Brief

• Repeat clashes expected for Tassie's top two mares.
• Mystic Journey produces best sectionals in Let's Elope.
• Still a Star heads to Rose of Kingston then straight to Empire Rose.

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.

But yesterday Trinder confirmed Mystic Journey will also follow that path, although Trinder 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 one going into the Empire Rose," Trinder said.

Mystic Journey finished with the best sectionals over the final 800 metres in the Let's Elope and her closing 200m was the fastest on the nine-race 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 sable name) showed she is going to be up to the best as we head towards the Empire Rose and most likely meet Mystic 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 tackling the Empire Rose."