3 minute read
Brilliant sprinter Fame Star gave every indication he was still in fine fettle after he won his barrier trial on Tuesday, even if connections cautioned the seven-time winner was not quite battle-ready yet.
The US-bred Group 2 EW Barker Trophy winner was one of the star performers towards the third tier of the season in 2019, reeling off a magnificent five-in-a-row with the last one coming in the handicap feature over 1400m in November.
A little slow out of the gates in Tuesday's hit-out, Fame Star (John Powell) mustered speed round the outside to go and sit off the girth of leader Surpass Natural (John Sundradas) before sprinting past Leticia Dragon's smart sprinter in the home straight for a half-length win.
With the Group 3 Fortune Bowl (1400m) coming up in a fortnight on January 26, a few might have surmised the Twirling Candy five-year-old was gearing up for the traditional Chinese New Year feature.
But John O'Hara's assistant-trainer Stephen Crutchley (pictured) has ruled that option out for the Toast Trusts & Kadima Stable-owned gelding.
"I'm very happy with his barrier trial this morning. He's okay," said the Kiwi B-trainer.
"But we're not in any rush to run him anytime soon. He's definitely not running in the Fortune Bowl.
"We've aimed him at the other good races later on, namely the Group 1 Lion City Cup (May 23). We're taking our time with him.
"He had a nice time off since the EW Barker and we're happy with the way he has come back. JP said he felt very strong this morning."
The Australian jockey was warming up the saddle for his colleague Marc Lerner, Fame Star's winning partner in the EW Barker Trophy. The French jockey still hasn't recovered from the bout of flu that saw him stood down from his rides on Sunday, but he is confident his name will be on the racecard this weekend (Friday and Saturday).
"I was all set to ride Fame Star in his trial this morning, but when I woke up, I was still not 100%. I called Steve and he understood, and he got John to replace me," said Lerner.
"It's frustrating, but I'm on the mend and I should be okay for this weekend."
Powell didn't hesitate to put his hand up for the replacement job on Tuesday, as quality rides like that, be it for a fleeting time in trials or races, are relished by any jockey.
"He trialled very well. He just needed the run in the last 100m," said Powell.
"Which is to be expected as he hasn't raced for two months. He'll probably need another trial.
"I got on because Marc is crook, but I sure hope I can get on him one day. He's a quality individual."
