Trainer Clinton Mcdonald has praised Racing NSW for their announcement last week of a $6 million bonus enticing the state’s sprinters to remain at home.
McDonald is eyeing off a lucrative campaign with his sprinter Star Patrol who is set to resume at Caulfield at the end of the month.
If all goes according to McDonald’s plan, Star Patrol could be racing for a $1 million bonus as the winner of the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Cox Plate Eve and the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Both those races carry total prize money of $5 million as well the $1 million bonus.
“I love Peter V’Landy’s, he’s good, outstanding, he’s good for racing,” McDonald said of last week’s $6 million Racing NSW bonus announcement.
“It makes our $1 million bonus look a little insignificant, but I’d be happy to win it.
“At the end of the day, Victoria against NSW, the thing is it’s good for owners.
“They’re the ones putting their hand in their pocket. Yearlings are expensive, training fees are expensive, and you need those good money races.”
Star Patrol finished second to Bella Nipotina in an 800m trial at Cranbourne on Tuesday as he progresses to a first-up outing in the Group 3 The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield on August 27.
McDonald plans to then head to the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 1 after which a decision will be made on whether he tackles Group 1 targets.
Star Patrol created an impression winning by seven lengths over 1200m at Flemington on Anzac Day before winning over 1100m there the following month with Passive Aggressive having his measure in the Listed Creswick Stakes (1200m) on June 18.
“That trial today will bring him on,” McDonald said.
“It’s a Heavy 9 and that’s not his liking. We were mindful of that, but he trialled really well.
“He looks great in the coat, and we can probably get two gallops into him before he goes to Caulfield.
“He’s a big horse and weighs in at around 538 kilos. He’ll keep improving through the spring and it’s exciting for any sprinter down here in Melbourne because of what has happened up in NSW.
“There’s a real opportunity for a nice horse like him to come through and put his hand up.”
