Testa Rossa mare Amelie’s Star has earned a trip to Brisbane after storming over the top of her rivals in the Queen Of The South Stakes-Gr.2 (1600m) at Morphettville.

Saturday’s victory was her second in black-type following a dominant victory in the Colin Stephen Quality-Gr.3 (2400m) at Rosehill in September 2015.  Previously under the care of Peter Moody, she was sidelined with injuries for over a year and completed a remarkable comeback at her third run back for in-form trainer Darren Weir.

Amelie’s Star (5m Testa Rossa – Zazita by Zabeel) has won 5 of her 11 starts and holds a Group 1 nomination for the Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 20.

Owner-breeder Patrick Hodgens purchased her dam for $130,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and sought advice on the best mating from Vinery Stud’s Adam White.  “You always dream but never expect something like this to happen,” Hodgens said.  “She’s highly talented so it’s all worked out.”

Besides her Testa Rossa star, Zazita has a perfect record with Vinery sires foaling the city winners Razed in Flames (More Than Ready) and Honey Cara (Mossman).

Testa Rossa is going as good as ever with 6 black-type winners this season.  He has sired 61 stakes winners overall and stands for a $16,500 (inc gst) service fee at Vinery.

AMELIE’S STAR