The G1 Arrowfield Blue Diamond Stakes was an awesome result for the race sponsor when its resident sires Starcraft and Redoute’s Choice dominated the $1 million event at Caulfield on Saturday.

Star Witness (2c Starcraft – Leone Chiara by Lion Hunter) came from the clouds to claim Victoria’s premier juvenile race from the Redoute’s Choice youngsters Shaaheq and Beneteau.

Despite covering extra ground from an outside barrier, Star Witness produced one of the biggest finishes ever seen in the 40 year history of the Blue Diamond.  “Not much went right for him in the run,” trainer Danny O’Brien said.  “He wobbled on the corner and was virtually last when they straightened.”

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in this colt,” he added. “He does things that only top class horses can do.”

O’Brien immediately ruled out a trip to Sydney for the Golden Slipper.  “He might have one more run in the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and then he’ll be going to the paddock.  I think he’s got a huge future.”

Star Witness was a $150,000 buy out of the Alma Vale draft at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  His sire Starcraft (Soviet Star) was an international G1 winner in Australia (AJC Derby), New Zealand (Stoney Bridge and Mudgway Stakes), France (Prix du Moulin) and England (Queen Elizabeth II Stakes).

He began stud life at Cheveley Park in 2006 and sired English Listed winner Don’t Tell Mary in that crop.  He is now based full time at Arrowfield Stud.
Star Witness is from O’Brien’s talented racemare Leone Chiara who won the G3 R N Irwin Stakes and Listed W H Wylie Hcp in Adelaide.  She is a daughter of Lion Hunter and is a sister to Group winners Ferocity and Chinchilla Rose.

Leone Chiara’s yearling filly by Elusive Quality changed hands at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  She’s only small and made just $40,000.