Millionaire mares Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls) are officially in the race for the world’s richest mile race following the official withdrawals of Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) and stablemate Espiona (Extreme Choice) on Saturday.
Racing Victoria announced on Saturday night that as first and second emergencies on the provisional list for the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 19, Tofane and Icebath were included when the Chris Waller pair were excluded.
Verry Elleegant had topped The All-Star Mile polls and Espiona finished seventh on the leaderboard, but both will now remain in Sydney to pursue other targets this autumn.
As the first emergency, Tofane replaced Verry Elleegant in the coveted field as a three-time Group One winner following her Gr.1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) triumph.
Icebath, who replaces Espiona, last spring won the lucrative The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick before coming within a neck of claiming her first Group One triumph in the Cantala (1600m) at Flemington.
On Saturday, Inspirational Girl (NZ) (Reliable Man) gained a wildcard via her exciting Gr. 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) win, joining Futurity Stakes winner Sierra Sue (NZ) (Draci Brahma).
The inclusion of Inspirational Girl takes the number of confirmed runners in the fourth edition of The All-Star Mile to 12.
The three remaining wildcard runners set to complete the field of 15 will be announced by RV’s Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, at 6:30pm (AEDT) on Monday.