Star Rolling ran on for a credible fourth in his second start this campaign a fortnight ago, and co-trainer Craig Widdison is confident the notable gelding is primed for another competitive performance in Saturday’s Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield.
Co-trainer Craig Widdison is confident Saturday’s Lord Stakes at Caulfield is the right race for Star Rolling. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Jumping from the gates well in the Building Engineering Trophy (1400m) at Flemington, Star Rolling settled in prime position on the heels of the race’s early leaders, and while appearing to have fallen off the pace and out of contention rounding into the final straight, produced a strong turn of foot to finish two lengths off winner Precious Gem.
Widdison told Racing Ahead the Casino Prince gelding has taken plenty of benefit from his second run this time and will line up for the 2015 Lord Stakes in great order.
“He ran a lot of a better race last start,” Widdison said.
“He sort of seemed to hit a flat spot turning for home and I was a bit worried there for a bit but then all of a sudden he worked to the line well later.
“The step up in distance should suit and we’ll put the blinkers back on him.
“We’ve changed things around with him a little bit with him. He’s been doing a bit of work in one of our spare paddocks and thinks life’s great at the minute.
“He bounced in out of the paddock this morning and it seems to have changed him around a little bit. Hopefully we can take that into Saturday.”
Widdison and co-trainer Peter Morgan are yet to confirm a jockey to ride Star Rolling in the Lord Stakes, but the Whittlesea-based horseman will instruct the hoop to take a position just off the pace of the race’s early leaders.
“He sat fourth in the 1400m last start and without having to push him to be there, wherever he is happy (is where he will settle),” Widdison said.
“He’ll be forward though I would imagine.”
Star Rolling has posted five wins and a further two minors through 20 career starts since first appearing on course competitively in the autumn of 2013.
Undoubtedly finding career-best form to date in 2014, Star Rolling finished in the places in each of the Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) and Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) most notably in autumn; returning in spring for success sin the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m).
The 2015 Lord Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday (December 23rd).
