Trainer Mike Moroney may be forced to put Star Surprise into open company after the three-year-old scored a first-up win at Pakenham.
Moroney said the Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day may be considered as there was a lack of suitable three-year-old options after Star Surprise took out the John Duff & Co Handicap (1000m) on Saturday..
Another option could be taking the gelding to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) on January 11.
Ridden by Michael Poy, Star Surprise ($9.50) scored by 1-1/4 lengths from $3.40 favourite That Girl with Exquisite Beauty ($7) a length away third.
“He’s eligible for the Magic Millions and I might have a bit of a chat to the owners,” Moroney said.
“But the problem is, we’ve had a look through the program and because he’s probably going to be open class there’s not a lot around for him.
“He might have to race against the older horses in the Standish which looks like the only race here for him.”
Star Surprise was having his first start since running last behind Bivouac in the Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in August.
It followed successive wins at Echuca and Caulfield.
“We thought his first campaign was terrific and went into the Vain Stakes a little on the tired side,” Moroney said.
“This was almost a stakes-class field today, it’s just a pity that it didn’t have stakes-class money.
“He’s a really nice sprinting horse that can do it from the front or the back and has been a natural all the way through.”
