Former Perth-trained mare Inspirational Girl has earned a start in the All-Star Mile with her last stride victory at Flemington.
Having her third start in 15 months, Inspirational Girl claimed the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) on Saturday to give the Danny O’Brien-trained mare a start in the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 19.
Ridden by Damian Lane, Inspirational Girl ($4.20) scored by a short-neck from the $2.30 favourite Zaaki with Corner Pocket ($7.50) a further 1-¾ lengths away third.
Lane said under the conditions of Saturday’s race Inspirational Girl was well weighted, adding it was a well-thought-out plan by O’Brien to target the race.
He said O’Brien came to him a number of weeks ago to ask if he could ride the mare at 53kg.
“It was a bit of a stretch, but I was lucky Danny was on to it a few weeks out,” Lane said.
“Had he waited until Monday to realise, I would have been no hope.
“It’s been a tough few weeks, but it’s rewarding when we can get into a race like the All-Star Mile.”
Inspirational Girl was a little slow into stride and Lane said that enabled him to find the rail and track Zaaki in the run.
Pre-race plans had been for Inspirational Girl to be off the fence and in clear running from the 600m, but Lane said the mare may not have won with that run.
“The run that I had was great and then get up on the back of Corner Pocket to keep Zaaki pocketed away for a little bit worked,” Lane said.
O’Brien said there was improvement to come from Inspirational Girl ahead of the All-Star Mile.
He said going into the All-Star Mile third-up should be ideal.
“She hasn’t done a lot of racing over the last year and a half,” O’Brien said.
“She’ll of had the two runs and being third-up into the 2022 All-Star Mile, we certainly won’t have any excuses for her on All-Star Mile Day.”
