Bill Ryan and Still A Star (Image: Supplied)
Trainer Bill Ryan admits Still A Star will need to have 'her dancing shoes on' in this year's All-Star Mile.
But you couldn't blame the Tasmanian for doing his own celebratory jig on Friday morning when it was announced his stable star had made the field for The All-Star Mile.
Ryan, who is battling a terminal illness, has spoken previously about how much it would mean to him to have his $13,000 purchase compete in the world's richest mile race.
And that will now be a reality with his bargain buy set to take on a field that already features six Group 1 winners including Arcadia Queen, Sir Dragonet, Behemoth and Russian Camelot.
"It's sensational, really, to think our little horse from Tassie, has got into this. It's an incredible race, it's the people's race now … to think we got so many votes from little old Tasmania, it's incredible," Ryan said.
"She will be competitive in the race. She's going to run against the best horses in the country.
"She's going to need her dancing shoes on in the race. I'm a huge fan of Arcadia Queen, I reckon she's a superstar. I wouldn't mind running second to her, I could handle that."
Ryan said Still A Star would gallop between races in Tasmania on Sunday before resuming in the Vamos Stakes.
"1400m, first-up, she's going to win. She's got to win now," Ryan said with a chuckle.