Trainer Nick Ryan registered his biggest win when Munhamek provided Damien Oliver with victory at his last ride in Perth late last year.
Straight after that race, Ryan began planning for an even bigger prize with the former Hong Kong galloper and got the call up a week ago that Munhamek had been given an invitation into the $4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 16.
Ryan’s planning had paid off, although Munhamek had posted two unplaced runs in the C F Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes, both 1400m, at Caulfield, at weight-for-age.
The performances may have looked plain on paper, but Ryan and connections were happy.
“He was freshened after Perth and we had the plan of the Orr, Futurity and the All-Star Mile and we were hopeful we would get in it,” Ryan said.
“It has worked well so far and his two runs, I think they’ve been super.
“In the Orr he drew the outside and after beginning well, he had to be restrained in the small field.
“His sectionals were good, he hit the line good, and he backed it up in the Futurity, but he didn’t jump as well as he did in the Orr and was too far back.
“We didn’t expect the race shape to be like that with no Pride Of Jenni. Attrition surprised us a little and then Buffalo River injecting more speed and we found ourselves a long way back.
“He ran home the second fastest last 600 metres behind Mr Brightside. His last 200 metres was equal to Mr Brightside, and he was slashing through the line.
“You would think the mile is going to suit.”
Munhamek had two weeks between the C F Orr and the Futurity and will have an extra week until the All-Star Mile.
Ryan has Munhamek down to gallop at Moonee Valley on Monday morning and says the three weeks between runs is ideal.
He is also hoping a bigger field in the All-Star Mile, and a truly run race, will suit Munhamek.
“If they run along like they did in the Futurity, I’m sure there will be a few getting a stitch and hopefully we can be chiming in late,” Ryan said.
Ryan is hoping Blake Shinn will partner Munhamek in the All-Star Mile, but he said nothing will top the ride Oliver gelding the gelding in Perth.
“I suppose that was the thing after Perth, we had to find a new jockey but it’s very hard to top the ride that he gave it,” Ryan said.
