Tasmanian mare Still A Star is more than that to her legion of fans in the Apple Isle and at the conclusion of her racing career should be renamed ‘Forever A Star’.

For that is what she is to her trainer Bill Ryan who is battling ill-health and will not be at Flemington on Saturday to watch Still A Star run in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).

Still A Star has come a long way in her career that started when Ryan parted with $13,000 to purchase the daughter of Toronado as a yearling.

Now 18 starts later with 10 wins, a further seven placing and over $900,000 in prize money, Still A Star will be racing for a massive pay day on Saturday.

Not only is there the $600,000 first prize money on offer, but there is also a $1 million bonus.

Still A Star and four other mares – Colette, Tofane, Sirileo Miss and Flying Mascot – will chase the lucrative bonus courtesy of wins in designated races along the journey.

Victory in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 2 has set Still A Star up for her shot at the bonus and Ryan said the mare was in top shape for her assault.

“She’s come on since then, she’s really good,” Ryan said.

“She worked with Betty (Mystic Journey) on Tuesday and they both worked really nice.

“She’s on the top of her game and she just feels fantastic.

“She’ll go over and give it the biggest shake she can. She’ll run her heart out for us and win, lose or draw, we’ll be exceptionally proud of our little Minnie.”

In the twilight of his career as a trainer, Ryan said success on Saturday would be the pinnacle.

“It’s what us trainers dream about, getting a horse good enough to win Group races,” Ryan said.

“To be honest, I’ve had a lot of handy horses over the years, but not good enough to go to Melbourne and race over the spring.

“I’ve finally got one. It’s taken all my life to get there, but I’m enjoying the ride. It’s fantastic.”