Starry Legend has followed up an impressive debut Sandown victory with another strong performance in the VOBIS Gold Rush at Bendigo.
The casting of a plate pre-race could stop Starry Legend keeping his record intact with another explosive victory at Bendigo.
A debut winner at Sandown last month, Starry Legend repeated that effort in the $250,000 VOBIS Gold Rush (1000m) on Saturday.
Starry Legend has had to overcome adversary to make it to the racetrack after injuring a hind leg before racing and while recovering needing surgery for a bout of colic.
Trainer John Sadler said those early mishaps stopped Starry Legend from being in Sydney for the Carnival, but on Saturday’s display there are bigger races in store for the Hong Kong-owned two-year-old.
Sent out the $2.10 favourite under Michael Dee, Starry Legend defeated Frostin’ ($21) by a length-and-a-quarter with Scissor Steps ($21) two lengths away third.
As he did at Sandown, Starry Legend was keen early but showed a good turn of foot when asked early in the straight.
Dee said Starry Legend was doing everything on raw ability at this stage of his career.
“He’s pretty smart and there’s still plenty of upside with him,” Dee said.
“He’s learnt a lot from his first start, but today he just wanted to overdo it a bit early.
“For how quick he goes early he does an amazing job to keep running that strongly to the line.”
Starry Legend provided the Sadler stable with a race-to-race double following the win of Sam’s Image the second race on Saturday’s program.
Mick Nolen, representing Sadler, said when Starry Legend learns to harness his energy, he will be a very good horse.
“We’re very gratefully to Bon Ho for giving us the chance to train him,” Nolen said.
“He looks like he’s got plenty of upside and looks like he’ll make a nice sprinting three-year-old.”
Written by Craig Brennan
