Musk Creek Star set for Vo Rogue Plate

Queensland trainer Bryan Guy has black-type plans for Musk Creek Farm graduate Starcourt on New Year’s Eve.

Starcourt (Stratum) will be set for the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate after winning his maiden at Doomben on Friday.  The Hong Kong owned galloper was bred and sold by Musk Creek for $300,000 at the 2015 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

“I know it is a big step up but Michael (Rodd) was very impressed with him.  He was never going to lose today,” Guy said after Starcourt’s four-length victory in the Amgrow Plate (1200m).

“He showed he was up to better company behind smart filly Savanna Amour at his first start for us last month.  The Vo Rogue is always a good guide to the future and the 1300m should be no problem.”

Starcourt is the final foal of Courtney’s Cuddles (Brief Truce) who won at Caulfield and Moonee Valley for trainer Pat Hyland as well as being stakes placed at Flemington.  She was purchased off the track by Musk Creek owner David Kobritz and his bloodstock advisor Tim Stewart for $125,000.

Musk Creek homebred Gruosi opened his account at Wangaratta on Monday.  The Lonhro 3yo is trained by Mick Price and is the first foal of Listed MVRC Alexandra Stakes winner Sublimity (Testa Rossa).

Gruosi was passed-in when failing to reach a $125,000 reserve at the 2015 Melbourne Premier.  His pedigree wasn’t long improving with close relation Palentino winning the G1 Australian Guineas and G1 Makybe Stakes this year.

Musk Creek has catalogued a Sebring half-brother to Gruosi (Lot 273) for the Inglis Melbourne Premier in March as part of its consignment of 14 yearlings for Oaklands.

The Flinders nursery returns to the Gold Coast next month with a draft of 12 yearlings for the Magic Millions.  Among them is the Sebring half-brother to last-start Adelaide Group 3 winner Beirut (Lot 164) being sold (as agent) for breeder Andrew Goulopoulos.