3 minute read
Tasmania’s best mares Mystic Journey and Still A Star had their final hit-outs in Launceston on Tuesday in preparation for their tilts at the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on Saturday.
The Adam Trinder-trained Mystic Journey and Still A Star, from the Bill Ryan stable, galloped together, working off from the 1000m and they dashed up the last 400m and both pleased the gallops.
Trinder says Mystic Journey has done everything required of her to be at her peak on Saturday and confirmed she was in top order, while Ryan was as equally impressed with Still A Star's progress towards the big race.
While the Empire Rose offers $1 million prizemoney, there is an additional carrot for Still A Star who is one of the seven acceptors who qualify for a $1 million, winner-take-all, cash bonus.
The Victoria Racing Club offered the huge bonus to any horse that won one of 16 lead-up races and went on to win the Empire Rose.