Flemington may seem a long way away from Gre Gre, but a group of Wimmera owners is daring to dream.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lunar Fox's preparations on the outskirts of St Arnaud have a local syndicate quietly confident of the three-year-old's chances should he secure a miracle All-Star Mile berth.
The Paul Preusker-trained colt is part-owned by Horsham's Kevin Jones, Murtoa trio Gary Brown, Leigh Williams and Ritchie Brown, Willaura farmer Jim Burke, Gre Gre pair Greg Baldwin and Jacinda O'Sullivan and St Arnaud's Peter Knight.
Lunar Fox currently ranks 41st in the All-Star Mile voting, but the group hopes a groundswell of public support can set their star up for a Steve Bradbury-esque charge to the top.
"With the whole of the Wimmera behind Lunar Fox and owners from country towns of Horsham, Murtoa, St Arnaud, Maryborough, Horsham and Bungaree just a thousand votes from each of these shires would get Lunar Fox a run," one of the owners said.
Lunar Fox has other part-owners based in Maryborough and Bungaree.
Jim Burke snapped up the colt at the yearling sales in 2019. Time in Terry Sullivan's stables would follow, where Lunar Fox won a Group 2 race, before the star was moved to Paul Preusker's care.
Lunar Fox held his own against the country's best three-year-olds in the spring and finished fifth at the Caulfield Guineas in September.
MAKING NEWS TODAY:
He is slated to return from a break with the $1 million Australian Guineas at the end of February.
"He is a talented colt, and if he reaches his potential this preparation will be in solid form coming into the All-Star Mile," Preusker said.
"This horse is worthy of the opportunity in the All-Star Mile. It is a great race and great concept for people to get their favourite horse to be a runner.
"If he can get the votes to get in he will be competitive".
Public voting is now open for the All-Star Mile.
The ten horses that receive the most votes earn a place in the field, and with it a shot at the $5 million prize fund. Four other spots are reserved for wildcard entries.
Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.