New Zealand and one of its favourite sons have suddenly become a major player in this year’s five million dollar All Star Mile at Flemington.

Last weekend’s racing has swung very much to the Kiwis’ advantage with several of the contenders racing to their best.

Racing Victoria Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter confirmed that Tofane’s win in the Group One CF Orr Stakes has positioned the mare well to obtain a free pass into this year’s 1600 metre All Star Mile.

Tofane and her owners are now in the enviable position if they are prepared to miss races in Sydney, to compete in the five million dollar event.

Tofane led throughout to win on Saturday and has now left trainer Mike Moroney in the prime position of having a number of options for the race.

Moroney announced yesterday that he would be starting his latest acquisition Banker’s Choice in the Blamey Stakes at Flemington next month and if successful will win a free pass into the All Star Mile.

“You could say I’m in the box seat.  Now Tofane looks like getting a start if we want it and if Banker’s Choice wins the Blamey he goes straight in.  We’re talking serious money here,” he said.

Negotiations have been ongoing for some time over the formerly New Zealand-trained Banker’s Choice, a winner of five races from just 10 starts.

And Moroney could also have another competitor with his smart galloper Poland racing first-up in the Newmarket Handicap who could then be a chance to also take a spot in the All Star.

“He’s a very smart little horse.  He’s done really well and a Newmarket win would have him knocking on the door for the All Star,” he said.

Former New Zealand Group One winner Callsign Mav was backed from $9.50 into $5.00 on Saturday only to be narrowly beaten on the line in the Carlyon Cup.  

It’s not known if New Zealand-trained Probabeel, who won the Bellmaine Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield, should also see her as a serious contender in the rich All Star Mile.

Horses in the other positions must have a high number of emails of support before they could enter the race.  

The field will also be assessed with four wild cards – the winner of the Blamey Stakes and the Futurity will receive a pass while the two other wild cards will be up to the discretion of the All Star panel given the job of assembling the field.