The Monstar has banked more than $500,000 in prize money
He might be a seven-year-old with 39 starts under his belt but The Monstar still has a few tricks.
The gelding returns to the scene of his most dominant win when he runs in Saturday’s Group Two Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Since he won the Listed June Stakes by almost six lengths, The Monstar has had two starts for two Listed-race seconds and a win in a barrier trial ordered by stewards.
He hung out during the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton last month when he went within a short head of Calanda.
“He’s always been a bit wayward and he jumped sideways in the Ramornie and had to trial which he did at Tamworth on Sunday,” trainer Brett Cavanough said.
“I’ve tricked him over the years with gear changes and on Saturday he will wear a one-eyed blinker and we’ll see how he goes.
“About the only thing he does right is that he is a fantastic eater.
“He is a very tough horse but quite silly.”
Despite being silly, The Monstar has banked more than half a million dollars prize money and scored 11 wins.
Cavanough admits the Missile field is somewhat stronger than The Monstar’s recent assignments but is heartened by the prospect of rain in the lead-up although it won’t be the heavy track he encountered in the June Stakes.
“A soft track is ideal for him,” Cavanough said.
“He doesn’t need it to be really wet, he just doesn’t like it too hard.”
The Monstar, to be ridden by Josh Adams, is at $9.50 for the Missile with triple Group One winner Le Romain the $2.20 favourite.
Although Le Romain’s best wins have been between 1300 and 1600m, Lees is keen to see him measure up to enhance his chance of securing a spot in the $10 million Everest (1200m) in October.
And while The Monstar has not won beyond 1200m, his trainer is harbouring thoughts of longer distances this spring.
“I’m thinking he might be able to stretch out over further,” Cavanough said.
“So I’m looking at the Tramway (1400m) and if he could handle that, then the Epsom Handicap (1600m) could come in to play.”
