The Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on Saturday will see Western Australian sprinter West Star make his Victorian debut, with Damian Lane to ride for trainer Simon Miller.
He faces a strong field that could include Stradbroke winner War Machine, though the Hayes-trained galloper is also nominated for the Premiere Stakes in Sydney. Airman, from the Hawkes stable, is another dual nominee.
Buenos Noches, who has been off the scene since autumn, could also resume, while Star Patrol adds proven class to the 1200-metre contest. Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr will give in-form La Fracas his first test at Group 2 level with Ben Melham booked.
Other contenders include the consistent Steparty with Mark Zahra aboard, Givemethebeatboys for Michael Freedman and John McNeil, and Begg-trained Royal Insignia to be ridden by Craig Williams.
The Gilgai shapes as a critical pointer to the sprint features later in the carnival.
Likely Field for the Gilgai Stakes
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | War Machine | B, W & JD Hayes | |
| 2 | Star Patrol | C McDonald | B Melham |
| 3 | Buenos Noches | C Maher | |
| 4 | Airman | M, W & J Hawkes | |
| 5 | Steparty | P Preusker | M Zahra |
| 6 | Givemethebeatboys | M Freedman | J McNeil |
| 7 | West Star | S Miller | D Lane |
| 8 | Royal Insignia | G Begg | C Williams |
| 9 | La Fracas | M Price & M Kent Jnr | J Melham |