Import gains first All Star Mile wildcard

An imported galloper that has contested the past two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes has been granted the first wildcard into the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley.

Newcomer to the Mike Moroney stable, Alenquer has been afforded the chance to make his Australian debut in the $5 million on March 18.

Earlier in the week the Top 10 horses in the public vote were announced followed by the emergencies should those within that voted group not take their place.

With 11 horses now named in the All-Star Mile, the final four wildcards will be issued by Tuesday.

Alenquer was purchased by a large syndicate that brings together the part-owners of champion sprinters Black Caviar and Chautaqua.

Among Alenquer’s victories in Europe was the Group 1 Tatts Gold Cup at The Curragh last May and the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2021.

Alenquer was a winner from 1400m to 2400m in Europe and defeated home the likes of Cox Plate winner State Of Rest and Epsom Derby winner Adayar.

Matt Welsh, Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager – Racing said with an international rating of 118, Alenquer brings an X-factor to the All-Star Mile.

“It wasn’t a hard decision for the wildcard panel to land on Alenquer as our first wildcard and he joins a fantastic group of 10 horses, headed by Alligator Blood, that were voted into the All-Star Mile by the public this week,” Welsh said.

Moroney was delighted to receive the news that Alenquer was in the All-Star Mile field.

“Alenquer is a serious horse.,” Moroney said.

“He’s a Group 1 winner in Ireland and he’s got plenty of class.

“He’s settled in really well at Flemington since arriving from overseas and we’ve been pleased with how he’s come to hand in his first prep for the stable.”

Moroney will be hoping to secure a second All-Star Mile wildcard in a little over 24 hours when Bankers Choice runs in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The race doubles as a ‘win-and-you’re-in’ race for the All-Star Mile, with Bankers Choice one of a string of chances hoping to gain a spot in the All-Star Mile.