FLYING Mascot, a horse with connections to Portland, posted another city win on Saturday.

A short-priced favourite in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield, Flying Mascot proved too strong for the field of seven to claim her fifth win from 12 starts, taking her prizemoney to more than $400,000.

It was her second run during the autumn campaign, having been narrowly beaten a fortnight earlier in the 1200m Bellmaine Stakes, also a Caulfield.

Flying Mascot had gained some popularity in Portland following an (unsuccessful) campaign to vote her into $5 million All-Star Mile on March 19, with current Portlander Denis Belden and former Portlanders Anthony Englezos and Glenn Wilson part of the Ninja Racing syndicate that holds a five per cent share in the four-year-old mare.

All three were at Caulfield on Saturday to see the win.

“It was very exciting to be there, see her win, and hold the cup,” Belden said.

“Because of COVID our syndicate has not been able to get together for nearly two years, but we had a big group there on Saturday.

“This is the whole reason we have such a big syndicate. We have a small share in a horse, it doesn’t cost us much, but we are able to get together and have some fun.

“It was the thrill of a lifetime.”

Warrnambool-based trainer Tom Dabernig said he had considered a seven-day backup for tomorrow’s Blamey Stakes – the winner of which would gain automatic entry to the All-Star Mile – but instead has two other runs planned.

The first of those will be the Group 3 Matron Stakes at Flemington on March 12 (a 1600m race for mares) and then the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 25.

It is expected Flying Mascot would then be spelled in preparation for a spring campaign that could include a number of Group 1 races – and possibly another crack at trying to get into the All-Star Mile.