Cascadian secures All-Star Mile wildcard
Cascadian, last year’s runner-up, is set to embark on a redemption journey in the 2024 All-Star Mile (1600m) after being granted a wildcard entry for the $4 million race.
Twelve months after narrowly missing out on victory to Mr Brightside at Moonee Valley, the resilient nine-year-old, owned by the esteemed Godolphin stable, is gearing up to make his mark at Caulfield on Saturday, March 16, as part of the race’s annual rotation.
Under the guidance of trainer James Cummings, grandson of the legendary Bart Cummings, Cascadian’s impressive performance in last year’s All-Star Mile served as a catalyst for his subsequent triumph in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m). This remarkable feat saw him accumulate over $2.5 million in prize money within a week.
While the $3 million Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday, March 30 remains a target, Cascadian’s immediate focus lies on clinching victory in his first All-Star Mile.
Despite a challenging return in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), he showcased his potential in the recent Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, rallying from last position at the 800-metre mark to secure a commendable fourth-place finish behind Think It’s Over.
With the All-Star Mile just two weeks away and the Australian Cup another fortnight after, Cascadian is poised to be a formidable contender in two of the Victorian Festival of Racing’s prestigious events.
Joining Cascadian in the All-Star Mile could be his accomplished stablemate Pericles, who secured a spot in the race with a strong runner-up performance in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
Cascadian’s inclusion brings the tally of wildcard recipients to six, alongside Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni, Jimmysstar, Dom To Shoot, and Munhamek.
Cascadian is rated a +1200 winning chance for the All-Star Mile with horse racing betting sites.