Finniss trainer John Hyam reckons Arrowfield sire Starcraft has another stakes winning filly on the horizon in Adelaide.

Hyam predicted a bright future for Stella Lante after she scored a very impressive victory on debut in the Veolia Hcp (1050m) at Morphettville on Saturday.  The result wasn’t unexpected – she was backed from $14 into $8 before ranging up to win by a long neck from short-priced favourite Beau Jez (Beautiful Crown).  They streeted the rest by more than four lengths.

Stella Lante (2f Starcraft – Villa Lante by Filante) had been working extra well alongside Hyam’s open class sprinter Petman in readiness for her first start.  “I thought 1050 metres might have been a bit too sharp, otherwise I would have just about declared her,” Hyam explained.  “The last 50 metres was the best part of her race.”

Petman (Lonhro) franked the form and completed a winning double for Hyam later in the day at Morphettville.

“I will nominate her for the Dequetteville Stakes in a fortnight and, if she holds up, go again in The Jansz before tipping her out,” Hyam revealed.  “But if she’s had enough in the meantime, I will spell her straight away.  She’s got too much ability to take any chances.”

The Listed $80,000 Dequetteville Stakes (1100m) is on April 28 and the $115,000 G3 The Jansz (1200m) is slated for May 12.  Morphettville will be packed to the rafters on both days – they coincide with Black Caviar’s two scheduled appearances before she heads to Royal Ascot.

Stella Lante was bred by Alistair McFarlane and he part-owns her with a syndicate that includes Hyam and his wife Tina.  They also race her older half-brother Stravinsky Code (Stravinsky) who has been sidelined with a leg injury since winning at Morphettville last September.

Their dam Villa Lante is a half-sister to Great Glen (Regal Classic) who won a G2 at Morphettville and a G3 at Caulfield before continuing his career in the same vein in Hong Kong.

Arrowfield has just announced its fees for 2012 and Starcraft will remain at a very affordable $27,500 (inc gst).  The NZ bred stallion broke through the 100 individual winner milestone earlier this month and his stakes winners this season include the top-class fillies Hallowell Belle and Celebrity Girl.