Sydney-trained Sheeza Belter is the latest addition to the All-Star Mile after the withdrawal of Tuvalu.
One of the Top 10 in the public vote into the $5 million All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley on March 18, Tuvalu was discovered to have a lung infection following his unplaced run in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday.
Trainer Lindsey Smith has ordered a spell for Tuvalu, paving the way for Sheeza Belter to gain a start in Saturday week’s 1600m contest.
Sheeza Belter, who won the Group 1 J J Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm last June and three starts back defeated the older mares in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m), missed gaining a start in the All-Star Mile by 250 votes, finishing in 11th place.
Before Sheeza Belter makes her way to Melbourne, the filly will contest the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
While trained in Sydney by Peter and Paul Snowden, Sheeza Belter started her career in Perth and has been ridden by star Western Australia jockey Willie Pike.
Sheeza Belter is part-owned by successful dual code horseman Justin Warwick who trained Material Man when that horse finished unplaced behind Mystic Journey in the inaugural All-Star Mile in 2019.
Mo’Unga, Elliptical and Hinged are the next three horses, in order, should another emergency be required for the All-Star Mile prior to acceptances on Tuesday.