Feroce will not back up for this Saturday’s $2.5 million Group 1 All-Star Mile at Flemington, with trainer Dom Sutton setting his sights on the $2.5 million Group 1 Australian Cup on March 29 instead.

While the 1600-metre event was tempting, Sutton is hesitant to face established stars like Mr Brightside, Another Wil, and Atishu so soon after Feroce’s career peak performance in the Australian Guineas.

“He’s bright as a button, nice and sound, and we were obviously dangled the carrot of the All-Star Mile, but we’ll look after him and target the Australian Cup,” Sutton said.

“He owes us nothing now. I don’t want to back him up, especially after such a big effort last Saturday.”

Feroce may have a lead-up run in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) on March 15, or could head straight to the Australian Cup third-up.

Sutton acknowledges the challenge of taking on open-age horses in the Australian Cup, but he prefers a Good track over wet ground, which Feroce struggled with in the CS Hayes Stakes.

“His recovery and data all point towards him being a 2000-metre horse,” Sutton said, confident Feroce can handle the extra distance.