Top trainer Chris Waller supports the All-Star Mile idea after its elevation to Group 1 status.
Debuting in 2019, the All-Star Mile originally shifted between Melbourne’s major tracks and drew inspiration from Japan’s Arima Kinen, allowing fans to select their preferred runner.
Adjustments occurred over subsequent years, with Waller occasionally entering a horse.
After achieving Group 1 for the previous edition, Waller entered Atishu in the All-Star Mile in 2025, and his stable now fields two contenders for Saturday’s event at Flemington over 1600m.
“The Group 1 status means a lot to me, more so than the prize money,” Waller said.
“It was a bit confusing in the first few years, but I think they’ve got it right now and hopefully the best horse can win.”
Buckaroo and Leica Lucy will carry Waller’s hopes on Saturday.
The pair recently competed in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 21, placing second and fifth.
“They both ran well first-up at Caulfield, and they came out of the race well,” Waller said.
“It was great to see Buckaroo finishing his race off like he does. It’s exciting and he’s got good form at the mile, and he’s got form around the right horses.”
Buckaroo hasn’t secured a victory since his 2024 Underwood Stakes (1800m) triumph at Caulfield, though Waller noted his runner-up effort to Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes afterward.
“He likes Caulfield and he likes Moonee Valley, he almost won a Cox Plate, he’s pretty versatile and he has also run second to Via Sistina at Flemington one day,” Waller said.
“He’s definitely better here in Melbourne.
“Leica Lucy, she finished off well first-up. She got back and came up on, in arguably, the worst part of the track.
“She will come on nicely for the run. She had a couple of Group 1 placings last spring, and she looks like she has come on a bit better.”
Waller noted that Pride Of Jenni’s participation on Saturday adds intrigue to the field.
“Pride Of Jenni always adds a bit of difference to the race and makes it a tough test, but it’s good to see her back,” Waller said.
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