The All-Star Mile has caught the attention of champion trainer Chris Waller since gaining Group 1 status, with seven of his horses nominated for the prestigious race at Flemington on March 8.

Nominations closed on Tuesday, and Waller has entered Atishu, Fangirl, Lindermann, Molly Bloom, Private Life, Scarlet Oak, and Via Sistina in the $2.5 million event. A total of 53 horses were nominated.

Waller has had limited success in the race since its inception in 2019, with just two starters—seventh with Kolding in 2020 and sixth with Star Of The Seas the following year.

He has confirmed Atishu will target the Group 1 contest, while Fangirl’s participation will depend on her first-up performance in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, alongside other entries like Via Sistina and Lindermann.

“This year the All-Star Mile is a Group 1 which is a bit of a drawcard for me,” Waller said. “She (Fangirl) has come back well. She’s a plain Jane, she doesn’t give you much until race day.”

“Atishu, she’ll run in the All-Star Mile and the Australian Cup. She loves Flemington and both those races are at Flemington. She’ll kick off on Saturday and then she’ll head down.”

Mr Brightside, who finished second in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, is also aiming for the race to become the first horse to win the All-Star Mile twice, after his victory in 2023 at Moonee Valley.

This will be Mr Brightside’s fourth attempt at the All-Star Mile, having finished fourth in 2022 and second last year to Pride Of Jenni.

Pinstriped, who placed 10th in last year’s race, and Pride Of Jenni, who has returned to trainer Ciaron Maher’s stable after her last-place finish behind Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile last November, are also in the mix.

Additionally, Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice is entered by John Symons and Sheila Laxon.