Vinery freshman Star Turn unveiled another pair of very promising youngsters at the 2yo barrier trials in Sydney and Brisbane on Monday morning.
His high-priced colt Montana Flash was an eye-catching last-to-first winner over 900m at Rosehill for Team Hawkes. And his filly Stellar Magic made up the best part of six lengths to be beaten a lip over 800m at Doomben for Proven Thoroughbreds.
Montana Flash has been a focal point ever since graduating from the Gold Coast Magic Millions for $550,000 in January. “We just had to have him but we had to chase hard,” Wayne Hawkes recalled. “He’s absolutely Star Turn all over.”
Leading owner Rupert Legh manages the syndicate which includes Vinery and Steve Morley who bred him at Glenlogan Park. “He was a standout foal and a superb yearling,” Morley claimed. “He’s beautifully proportioned and you will go a long way to find a better looking horse.
“The reports from Rosehill about Montana Flash have been positive from Day 1. He has a good action, temperament and attitude.”
His dam Dukemore (Encosta De Lago) is a half-sister to Widden Stakes LR winner Superfly. Second-dam Allez France (Hennessy) was also a juvenile black-type winner at Randwick in the Keith Mackay Hcp LR.
Star Turn filly Stellar Magic couldn’t have been more impressive at Doomben. Without much coaxing from Ben Thompson, she almost collared Mishani Delight in the standout performance of the morning.
“Didn’t Stellar Magic light up the trials!” Proven Thoroughbreds manager Jamie Walter said. “The early signs are promising for Star Turn.”
A $100,000 graduate of this year’s Inglis Classic Sale, she is also bred to go early. Her dam Al’s Magic Miss (Magic Albert) scored on debut at Randwick and finished her 2yo campaign winning the Rosebud Fillies Preview.
Star Turn’s recent Randwick trial winner Astrologer has been entered for the Breeders’ Plate Gr.3 at Randwick this Saturday and Snowden Racing have also nominated him for the QTIS 2YO Plate at Doomben.
Vinery stands Star Turn for a $16,500 (inc GST) service fee this year payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
MONTANA FLASH
Star Turn colt pictured before the Gold Coast Magic Millions