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Source: RSN, by Conor Walsh
Consistent gelding Star of the Seas has won his way into the $5 million All-Star Mile with a strong victory in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
A strong field competed in the 1600m race to snatch a golden ticket into the upcoming feature and it was an intriguing contest with favourite Buffalo River extending to a long lead mid-race.
Star of the Seas settled midfield under Damian Lane and was several lengths off the lead entering the straight, but the gun rider didn’t panic, timing his run nicely as Buffalo River began to tire.
Star of the Seas was joined in the straight by two-time Blamey winner Fifty Stars – who had settled even further back at the tail of the field – as the pair launched down the outside to hit the lead, and they fought a thrilling battle to the line as the former narrowly prevailed.
Chris Waller stable representative Jo Taylor said the champion trainer had shown good confidence in the six-year-old’s ability to get the job done on Saturday.
“He came down and travelled in fantastic order,” Taylor said post-race.
“Chris was down yesterday for the first time in a long time and he was quite bullish about his chances, he thought he’d run a really good race.
“He certainly warranted Chris’ confidence.”
Taylor is expecting the reliable four-time Group 1 placegetter to put in another strong performance in the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley on March 13, particularly if there is some sting out of the track.
“He’s as honest as the day is long,” she said.
“Especially on the wet tracks; you know those are going to benefit him just as much.
“We managed to get a ticket into the All-Star Mile, so that was a big tick today.
“He doesn’t really know how to run a bad race.
“We’ll take him to The Valley to go and have a nice little look around there and get accustomed to the circuit.”
Star of the Seas’ win took his record to eight wins and 11 minor placings from 28 starts.
He is currently a $21 chance for the All-Star Mile with TAB.