Tasmanian standout targets All-Star Mile

Tasmanian star Durazzo has the $2 million All Star Mile on his 2026 agenda after winning another Stakes race at Hobart on Sunday.

The Barry Campbell-trained gelding advanced his record to 11 wins from 15 starts including four at Listed level when justifying his $1.35 starting price in The Inevitable Stakes (1600m).

Now Campbell wants to bring the five-year-old to Melbourne for a tilt at the rejigged All Star Mile, which will be run at Flemington in early March.

While a normal nominations and ballot process will take place for the All Star Mile next year, there is still an opportunity for RV and the VRC to elevate invited wildcards into the field.

Horses can also secure a start via victory in one of four ‘win-and-you’re-in’ races – The Listed Elms Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington and the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.

“He was terrific, wasn’t he?” Campbell told TasRacing.

“If we’re going to go to Melbourne, he’ll go there with about six runs under the belt, so there will still be something left.”

“I’d like to get an invite to the All-Star Mile. I don’t know whether that would happen, but it would be nice if it did.”

“It’s only 12 days after the race in Launceston (Hellova Street Stakes).”

Tasmanian star Mystic Journey won the inaugural All Star Mile in 2019, while The Inevitable ran third, beaten less than a length by Mr Brightside, in the 2023 All Star Mile.

Durazzo, who is raced by Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds, has never been campaigned outside of his home state.