Training partners chase Saturday first

David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins will be out to build on their good early form since forming a training partnership.

Three winners from their first 12 winners have seen Brideoake and Jenkins hit the ground running, including Starz Barwon at Moonee Valley last Sunday.

The pair will be chasing their maiden Saturday city success when Starconi runs in the VRC Member James Matthies Sprint (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Starconi was the pair’s first official starter when second to Doull at Sale last month after Jenkins had worked as Brideokae’s assistant-trainer for the past four years.

“We’ve had a pretty good run since Matt came onboard officially,” Brideoake said.

“He was our first runner together, and hopefully he can be our first Saturday city winner.”

Starconi is from a family that Brideoake has had a lot to do with over a long period.

Brideoake trained Starconi’s dam, Biancon Rose and the granddam Northern Rose, both of whom were good contributors to Brideoake’s stable.

“That whole family have made their mark and been good earners and this bloke is no different to Rossman,” Brideoake said.

“There’s been a lot out of the family.

I trained the mare and grandmother, Northern Rose. That’s a bit sad, isn’t it.

“Biancon Rose was stakes placed in the Frances Tressady Stakes, while Northern Rose was good money earner and finished just out of the placings at stakes level.”

Starconi has raced only four times and ended his first campaign beaten 7-¾ lengths by Giga Kick up the Flemington straight last July.

He then resumed with a 2-½ length second to Doull at Sale on February 22.

“I thought his run was pretty satisfactory at Sale against a blueblood with a rap on it,” Brideoake said.

“The horse came out of the race well and I’m quite content to take him to the race on Saturday.

“Starconi is a big powerful horse. He’s a nice horse and could potentially get a bit further than what we have been running him over.”