Lindsay Park could have a third starter in the Group 1 All-Star Mile after the victory of Marble Arch at Flemington.
Trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes already have Mr Brightside and Rise At Dawn booked for the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington next Saturday and all Marble Arch requires is a good week to join that pair.
Success in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) on Saturday gave Marble Arch automatic entry into the All-Star Mile.
Ridden by Michael Dee, Marble Arch ($5.50) raced to a two-length victory from Attrition ($12) with Zardozi ($6) a short-neck away third.
“If she pulls up well it won’t be a hard decision, she’s a mare in form,” Ben Hayes said.
“She won that quite well and she was impressive, so we’ll definitely be considering it, we’ve just got to see how she pulls up but if she pulls up well, I think it’ll be an easy vote to run.”
Hayes said he believes Marble Arch has the constitution to be back at Flemington next Saturday searching for a Group 1 win.
He said when mares are in form, it is hard to not keep them racing.
“She’s really fit,” Hayes said.
“I think that’s her tenth run for the prep and she’s just been super consistent and when a mare is in form, that’s the best time to have them.
“So as long as she’s 100% and we’re happy with her, she will hopefully be lining up”
Even if Marble Arch does not make next week’s line-up, Hayes said Saturday’s win was an important victory for the mare.
“She got a great run today, a great ride from Michael,” Hayes said.
“There was good speed there and we ended up in the absolute perfect position with no weight and she really deserved that.
“She’s been the bridesmaid a couple of times in Stakes races this prep and to win a Group 2 is just huge for her and her residual value going forward.”
