Vinery freshman Star Turn is building up for a big New Year with three runners on either side of Christmas Day.
His Doomben winner Miss Hipstar returns to action in the Seven News QTIS Hcp (800m) at Ipswich on Thursday. The Kelly Schweida-trained filly bolted in on debut and jockey Larry Cassidy will position her among the front-runners again over the minimum trip.
“She really flew the machine first-up and, once we hit the front, she switched off and got into a rhythm,” Cassidy said. “She’s so relaxed and won with her ears pricked.”
Miss Hipstar is currently 16th in ballot order for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 16 and some extra prizemoney will hopefully see her safety into the final field on the Gold Coast.
Star Turn’s Breeders’ Plate Gr.3 placegetter Astrologer has travelled to Brisbane for the Bruce McLachlan Stakes Gr.3 at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The Boxing Day event is his last chance to clinch a spot in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
“I think around $60,000 will be the cut-off to make that field,” trainer Peter Snowden said. “It surprised me how well he went in the Breeders’ Plate and then he produced a super run when fifth in the Wyong Magic Millions last week.
“The wet conditions didn’t suit and he got shuffled back in the field. But no other horse came from that far behind the whole day on the wet track.”
Trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy are also expecting a forward run by their Star Turn colt Pegasi on debut in the Bet365 2YO Plate (1100m) at Geelong on Saturday. He’s a powerhouse and is a half-brother to stablemate Meteorite who commenced his current campaign with a slick win over 955m at Moonee Valley.
“Pegasi a very nice colt and is similar to Meteorite,” Tony McEvoy said. “He’s a quick horse and has done everything right at home. It looks a really nice race for him at Geelong.”
Star Turn has 11 yearlings catalogued for the 2021 Gold Coast Magic Millions next month. First to parade is Lot 114, the half-sister to Thousand Guineas Prelude Gr.2 winner Afleet Esprit (Bel Esprit) being offered by Vinery (as agent).
MISS HIPSTAR