Tasmanian trainer Bill Ryan can start planning a Victorian Spring Carnival assault after Still A Star landed a stakes race win at Caulfield.
Star Tasmanian mare Still A Star will head for a winter break with Group 1 spring aspirations having secured an important victory on the mainland.
The Listed Anniversary Vase (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday was Still A Star’s third start in Victoria and the daughter of Toronado was brilliant in victory under a brave ride from Michael Poy.
Settling close to the speed, Still A Star handled the downgraded track with aplomb which was softened by a heavy downpour during the preceding race.
The track was not as wet as The All-Star Mile at The Valley last month when Still A Star finished 13th behind Mugatoo, the only time in 16 starts the mare has not filled the quinella spot.
Still A Star ($4.40) defeated the $3.80 favourite Missile Mantra by 1-¾ lengths with Riddle Me That ($4) a head away third.
Trainer Bill Ryan, who is battling health problems, said Saturday’s victory will pep him up for a couple of days and allow dreams of a Group 1 victory in the spring.
And Ryan liked what he saw from Still A Star during the Saturday’s race.
“I thought she was cruising and she had a kick in the finish,” Ryan said.
“She’ll go home, go to the paddock and I’ll bring her back and get her ready for the spring and see if she can go better.
“I’d love to win a Group 1 with her if she’s good enough and we’ll certainly give her a chance.”
Poy said the mare capable of winning a Group 1 in the spring.
“She was beaten by Mr Quickie, a dual Group 1 winner, and even Missile Mantra ran fourth in the Empire Rose beaten a length-and-a-half, so there’s Group 1 form around her,” Poy said.
“It’s just if she measures up.”
