Star Witness will clash with star sprinters Black Caviar and Hay List following his impressive victory in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

Trainer Danny O’Brien said the flashy Starcraft colt had earned his chance in the Patinack Farm Classic following the strong win against his own group.  The Coolmore was his second elite victory following on from the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February.

“We picked the Coolmore as his target this spring and it’s pretty important to get it right,” O’Brien said.  “We left the Caulfield Guineas to wait for this race and to have him produce like that is very satisfying.”

“We’re going to be up against Black Caviar and Hay List next Saturday but this is a pretty special colt.  He’ll be right in the mix.  

Star Witness (3c Starcraft – Leone Chiara by Lion Hunter) is a strapping individual and he has turned out an incredible bargain for O’Brien who bought him for $150,000 to at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.  His earnings are now through the $1 million barrier and his current value as a stallion is many times more.

O’Brien is also prepared to give him a chance on the international scene at next year’s Royal Ascot carnival.

Star Witness is the only runner to date for the former top class sprinting mare Leone Chiara.  She is a full sister to the outstanding Group winners Chinchilla Rose and Ferocity – the latter a former O’Brien trained runner who won the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic and is now one of the most promising sires in Queensland.