Trainer Scott Brunton believes that The Inevitable can “shake the life out” of the All-Star Mile should the seven-year-old attract enough votes for the final field for the $5 million feature over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley on March 18.
The Invitable won the Listed Hellova Street Stakes (1600m) at Launceston on Wednesday and took his career record to 16 wins and three placings in 28 starts with six of those victories extending a form guide picket fence for this preparation.
Formerly the Mowbray Stakes it was renamed in 2023 to honour three-time winner Hellova Street who was also trained by Brunton.
Starting at $1.20, The Inevitable overcame jockey David Pires concerns at the top of the straight to win by 1½-lengths over Swoop Dog ($12) with Alpine Wolf ($7.50) a ½-neck margin away in third.
Twice at winner at Moonee Valley, the seven-year-old’s next stop will be Melbourne.
“He’s probably run home (last 600 metres) in 33 seconds and that will top him off nicely”, Brunton said.
“I’m under no illusions that the bar goes up a long way but he’s nearly never missed when I’ve put the bar up.
“It wasn’t ideal with the ten-day back-up but that will be it for him for now until, hopefully, the All-Star Mile,” he added referencing The Inevitable’s last start win in the Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) on February 12.
“Just to get the result, it’s a bit different for me because it is all stress and nervousness. The boys think it is a walk in the park sometimes but I can tell you it’s not.”
Despite winning with more in hand to the line, Pires was relieved to overcome the challengers.
“He really didn’t like the track conditions today,” Pires said.
“I’m not saying it is bad but it isn’t right for him.
“When Swoop Dog kicked on the home turn I really thought we were in a bit of trouble but I should just have had faith in the horse because once I peeled out he just let rip with that incredible finish.
“He’s a real superstar.”
While the voting campaign is one thing, Pires retaining the ride is another campaign and he immediately began somewhat of a pitch of his own.
“Six from six and I know some of the owners are quite happy for me to ride him,” Pires added.
“Why not keep a winning combination together?
“Why stop now?”
As for the public vote, “vote for Veggie” was the final message from Brunton.
“God bless him. He’s a ripper,” he added.