Trainer Phillip Stokes is excited by the prospect of multiple Group 1 winner, Mr Quickie receiving another crack at the world’s richest mile race.
After running ninth in the race last year, first up, Stokes is hoping the second-up trick will prove to be the winning masterstroke.
“Last year we went first up into it, but I just thought he needed the match fitness against these high quality horses so second up this year,” said Stokes.
“We just kept him very fresh and happy, the Futurity just got his fitness to where we wanted it.”
With the forecast of rain for Saturday’s meeting at Moonee Valley some of Mr Quickie’s main rivals including superstar mare Probabeel are contemplating on whether to run. However, the forecast doesn’t worry Stokes as he believes the five-year-old can perform to his best on any surface.
“The rain won’t worry Mr Quickie, he is good on that or a firm surface.”
“We know the mile is his pet distance and he’ll go there as good as we can have him.”
Mr Quickie teams up with premiership leading jockey Jamie Kah again after their successful Spring campaign combining to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap. The pair will jump from Barrier 13 on the weekend which holds no concerns from Stokes.
“I think it’s [Barrier 13] ok, I’d rather be there than buried four back on the rail. Obviously having Jamie on is a big bonus, she knows the horse. It’s all looking good, we’re just excited going to a big money race
“I feel he’s in a similar vein to when he won the Toorak,” said a confident Stokes
Mr Quickie is currently a $19 chance on TopSport. For a full market on the All-Star Mile click here.
