Two routes to J J Atkins for Star Turn Megastar

Trainer Annabel Neasham will wait until next week before deciding whether to send her record-breaking Star Turn colt Megastar Heart to Queensland for the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) on June 1.

An alternative route to the winter carnival for Megastar Heart is a juvenile event over 1300m at Rosehill next Saturday week.  The last-start Randwick winner also holds a Group 1 nomination for the J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 15.

Neasham was confident Megastar Heart could break through second time out in the Golden Mile Hcp (1400m) last Wednesday.  He had been runner-up to Lazzura (Snitzel) on debut at Kembla Grange last month and the winner graduated to a Listed victory in the Woodlands Stakes (1100m) at Scone on Saturday.

“He’s a lovely type and will get a mile being a big, strong horse,” Neasham explained following a front-running victory over Mr Artemisia (The Autumn Sun) and Smashing Time (Brave Smash).  “He was wandering around, swishing his tail in the straight today and will only improve next season.

“He’s a horse with plenty of promise and we will wait until next week to make the call on Brisbane.  Well done to Pato Leung who bought him at the NZ Breeze-Up Sale.  He wasn’t cheap but it looks he will repay him.”

Winning jockey Tom Sherry confirmed the stable’s high opinion of the colt at Randwick.  “He’s a lovely animal, and was a bit green at Kembla.  He was the same today but stuck to his guns and had plenty up his sleeve.”

Megastar Heart (2c Star Turn – Commonwealth by Foxwedge) broke the southern-hemisphere record for a 2yo at public auction when selling for $825,000 at Karaka last November.  He was bred by Fairview Park’s Ian and Linda Duckworth and is the first foal from a Kembla Grange winner for Chris Waller.

Star Turn has a combined 13 Foals, Yearlings and Broodmares catalogued for the Magic Millions National Sale that kicks-off this Sunday, May 26.  There’s also a half-dozen mares in foal to Star Turn including the Vinery-consigned Lot 1030 / What’s New (Casino Prince) and Lot 869 / Modele (More Than Ready).

Vinery will stand Star Turn for $27,500 (inc GST) again this year with payment on a live foal.  For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.