Millwood Nike made it 9 from 9 at Cambridge in the Harness Millions fillies becoming the fifth filly to do the 2yo/3yo double for All Stars.
She follows Megeara, Dancing Diamonds, Spanish Armada and Amazing Dream to complete that double and probably did it easier than any of them winning comfortably from the trailing Seaclusion with stablemate Sucrita holding on bravely for third after working midrace.
It was a tremendous thrill for her connections of a syndicate headed by Steve Byrne most of whom have waited 20 years for a horse of this calibre.
Millwood Nike did her work early from a tricky draw running up wide to lead after 600m From there it was the old fashioned “walk in the park” though Seaclusion kept her to an honest 28.2 closing 400m.
“She was inclined to ease off in front but it was a top run” Mark said.
The long striding filly has the Pascoe Northern Oaks and the Breckon Memorial Caduceus Classic as her next two major aims.
Sucritra was far from disgraced,dropping back early and being sent wide to get handy for the last lap. She blew out over the final stages but it was a top run in the circumstances suggesting she will be a force in upcoming features.
The “boys” division was less rewarding which was expected given the barrier draws and the rivalry from smart Art Major youngster Merlin, the warm favourite.
Mark gave Sinbad a good chance settling on the back of Merlin and following him into the race at the turn without being quite able to match the winner’s final sprint. Sherlock never had a chance after being trapped 3 back on the inner from his horror draw. With Style got badly placed early and made some ground along the inner late.
Millwood Nike ‘s win was the 48th Sales Race victory over the years for All Star Stables, an outstanding feat.
Pic: Sinbad (widest) closes impressively but too late behind Merlin in the Harness Millions colts and geldings final