Star Tasmanian mare Mystic Journey has been ruled out of a defence of the $5 million All-Star Mile with trainer Adam Trinder considering giving the mare a long spell.
The trainer has contacted Racing Victoria stewards to advise Mystic Journey will be withdrawn from the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 14.
Trinder told stewards last month Mystic Journey had a soft tissue infection in her near fore leg which resulted in the mare missing several days track work.
The decision to withdraw Mystic Journey from the All-Star Mile was made by Trinder and the mare's owner Wayne Roser who felt she would not be in peak condition to contest the race.
“We felt we were behind the eight-ball for the All-Star Mile,” Trinder said in a video update on Mystic Journey.
“We don't want to do Mystic Journey any disrespect or the race any disrespect by running her when only three-quarters of the way ready.
“We're still open minded whether we'll have targets through the autumn period.
“We'll keep her in the stables for the moment and in light training with the options of Queensland, Sydney and Adelaide.
“But I'm quite open to the idea of a nice long spell and coming back for the spring.”
Mystic Journey defeated Godolphin's Hartnell and Alizee in the inaugural All-Star Mile at Flemington last year after winning the Group One Australian Guineas .
She was an $11 chance for a repeat All-Star Mile victory and was No.11 in the public vote.
Queensland gelding Alligator Blood heads the voting and is the $6 early favourite.
Ten of the 15 spots will be determined by the public.
The All-Star Mile was the only long-range nomination held by Mystic Journey.