Lightly-raced stayer Star Rolling is on trial for a Group 1 assignment when he takes on a strong field of spring carnival candidates in the LR Cranbourne Cup (2025m) on Sunday.

A son of Vinery sire Casino Prince, he has won 4 times in 6 starts culminating with a Listed victory in the Penang Trophy (1800m) at Morphettville on September 21.

The G1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup carnival beckons if he can beat the likes of imported gallopers Pakal and Mourinho on Sunday.  “We were hoping to qualify for the Caulfield Cup but that may have bottomed him out,” trainer Peter Morgan said.  “The Mackinnon is worth $1 million and we will still have a horse for the autumn.

“He really impresses me,” Morgan added.  “We would have even had a crack at the Caulfield Stakes if Atlantic Jewel wasn’t running!

“This is virtually his first preparation.  He began racing in April and only had a few weeks off before we started getting him ready for the spring carnival.

Star Rolling (4g Casino Prince – Uneasy by Zabeel) hails from the family of Kiwi Group 1 winners Fun On The Run (Jarden Mile) and Tall Poppy (New Zealand Stakes).

Vinery resident Casino Prince (Flying Spur) was Australia’s champion first and second-season sire.  He stands at for a $22,000 (inc gst) service fee.