With the All-Star Mile now recognized as a Group 1 race, champion trainer Chris Waller has set his sights on the prestigious event.

Nominations for the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8 closed on Tuesday, with Waller submitting seven entries for the $2.5 million race.

Since the race’s inception in 2019, Waller has had just two runners—Kolding, who finished seventh in 2020, and Star Of The Seas, who placed sixth in 2021.

This year, Waller’s entries include Atishu, Fangirl, Lindermann, Molly Bloom, Private Life, Scarlet Oak, and Via Sistina, among a total of 53 nominations.

Waller has confirmed that Atishu will be a key contender in the Group 1 event, while Fangirl’s participation will depend on her performance in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, where Atishu, Lindermann, and Via Sistina are also expected to race.

“This year, the All-Star Mile is a Group 1, which makes it more appealing to me,” Waller commented.

“She (Fangirl) has come back well. She doesn’t show much in training, but she delivers on race day.”

“Atishu will run in the All-Star Mile and the Australian Cup. She enjoys racing at Flemington, and both events are there.”

“She’ll start her campaign on Saturday before heading south.”

Mr Brightside, who ran a strong second in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last Saturday, is targeting the race in an attempt to become the first dual All-Star Mile winner, having claimed victory in 2023 at Moonee Valley.

The Lindsay Park star will be making his fourth appearance in the All-Star Mile, after finishing fourth in 2022 behind Zaaki and second last year to Pride Of Jenni at Caulfield.

Pinstriped has been entered for another attempt after finishing 10th in last year’s edition, while Pride Of Jenni is back in training under Ciaron Maher after last racing in the Champions Mile at Flemington last November.

Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice is also among the entries for trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon.