Starrybeel Melbourne campaign kicks off
Progressive stayer Starrybeel flew to Melbourne yesterday to kick off his Australian campaign.
A four-time winner this season, including the prestigious Dunstan Stayers Final on New Year’s Day, he competes in the rating 80, 2000 metres Grand Classic Final at Flemington on Saturday worth $150,000.
Trainer Stephen Marsh is upbeat. “He had two warm up runs in New Zealand over a mile which is too short but I’m happy how he’s come up. It’s a left handed track which will suit and he’ll have blinkers back on. He has worked well this week and steps up to a distance that suits him.”
“Being handed the visitors draw of barrier 18 is far from ideal though. We’ll have to ride him back in the field but it’s a long straight and plenty of time to prove himself and show us that fast finishing style.”
Another plus is having Victoria’s leading apprentice Ethan Brown in the saddle bringing the weight down to 57.5 kg.
Says Racing Manager Albert Bosma, “We’re excited to have another Go Racing horse campaigning in Australia where he’ll be aimed at lucrative rating races, each worth $125,000 plus.”