Damien Oliver fairytale horse secures All Star Mile wildcard
Munhamek secured a famous victory in Damien Oliver's last ride in Perth
Trainer Nick Ryan will saddle his first All Star Mile runner with Munhamek awarded a wildcard into the $4m feature at Caulfield on March 16.
Munhamek became part of Australian racing history last December, with victory in the Group 3 The Gold Rush in champion jockey Damien Oliver's last race ride.
Consistent Munhamek, a $2m prizemoney earner, has resumed in Melbourne with two promising starts in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes and Group 1 Futurity Stakes.
The eight-year-old gelding produced the second fastest last 800m, 600m and 400m to run sixth in the Futurity Stakes behind Mr Brightside, beaten four lengths.
"We're really pumped to be getting into the All Star Mile," said Ryan.
"All the staff are up and about, so it's very exciting.
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"His run in the Futurity was super, his sectionals told the story and he was really savaging the line. Going up to the mile should really suit him now.
"We'll need Mr Brightside not to be at his best to stand any chance of winning the All Star Mile, but I'm confident our horse will improve stepping up in trip and hopefully we can have him peaking on the day."
OLLIE BOWS OUT A WINNER!
A remarkable ride sees Munhamek take out the Damien Oliver Gold Rush... INCREDIBLE!🙌ðŸÂÂÂÂðŸÂ† pic.twitter.com/EyhazINeRd
- SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 16, 2023
Munhamek has won five of 20 starts for Ryan after racing in Europe and Hong Kong previously.
"It's a $4m race, so we're all really looking forward to the big day now," Ryan said.
"Three weeks between runs should be perfect for him, and as we've seen before anything can happen in racing."
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Ryan tried to get Munhamek into the All Star Mile last year but missed out.
The gelding duly saluted in The Mugatoo (1600m) - an All Star Mile consolation.
Munhamek is the fifth wildcard, alongside Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni, Jimmysstar and Western Australian raider Dom To Shoot.
New Zealand Group 1 winner Desert Lightning won a qualifier to get into the All Star Mile, while Buffalo River and Pericles earned golden tickets after placing behind Mr Brightside.
All Star Mile invitations will be extended to the winners of the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and the Group 2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) on Saturday at Flemington.
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