The All Star Mile will be run at Flemington on March 16 and will comprise 14-runners – with 10 gallopers decided by public vote.

The four remaining spots will be wildcards entries determined by Racing Victoria.

Voting opened on Monday and runs until February 18.

Being the first year of the concept, McCarthy said he was unsure how many votes Ashlor would need to guarantee the chance to tackle the nation’s elite gallopers.

“To be any chance of gaining a start we are going to have to rely on the support of as many Border race fans as we can get to vote for Ashlor,” McCarthy said.

“I think interest in the horse is growing after winning a couple of races at Moonee Valley and also going to Perth in December for his first test in group 1 company.

“So it would be fantastic if anyone who follows the horse could vote for Ashlor and give us a chance to race against the big boys.”

Australian residents aged 18 or over are eligible to vote with one vote per person and can be registered at www.allstarmile.com.au

Ashlor had 116 votes at 6pm on Monday night with the Chris Munce-trained Urban Ruler leading the votes on 1391.

Star gallopers Alizee, The Autumn Sun, Grunt, Happy Clapper, Dargento and Extra Brut are just some of the entries for the showpiece event.

McCarthy said it would be a huge thrill to be involved in the inaugural race for which there is 130 nominations.

“The opportunity to be able to race for that sort of money and be a part of the inaugural race would be a dream come true,” he said.

“Just the concept that it’s up to the public to decide the majority of the field is something entirely different as well.

“It will be interesting who the public supports and I think there is a running tally on the website, so I’d imagine we will know if we are a chance to get into the race or not pretty early on.

“Obviously a lot of the public will support the high-profile stables but if anyone wants to support the underdog and vote for Ashlor, it would be appreciated.”

Ashlor rose to prominence last preparation with two victories at Moonee Valley.

The five-year-old gelding also finished less than three-lengths behind Voodoo Lad in the $1-million Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in early December.

McCarthy feels Ashlor can raise the bar even further this preparation.

“I truly believe the horse is still improving and we haven’t seen the best of him yet,” he said.

“Judging by his work at home, I feel he is primed to take on the better races and it’s time to have a real crack.

“He wasn’t far away in the Winterbottom in his first test in group 1 company and will be better for the experience.”