Group 1 beckons rising star

Exciting 4-year-old Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is in line for a crack at the G1 Doncaster H.

“At this stage that’s the logical plan. He’s building up a really good record,” co-trainer Tom Dabernig said.

Fifty Stars won his eighth race from 12 starts when he rallied late to triumph in the G2 Hyland Race Colours Ajax S. at Rosehill for Lindsay Park.

“I was a little bit worried at the 100 metre mark, but he attacked the line and it was a good effort,” Dabernig said. “He’s a very naturally fit horse.”

Galaxy in the mix

Easy Eddie (Super Easy {NZ}) might be tried in Group 1 company sooner than expected with his win in the G3 Maurice McCarten S. at Rosehill.

His heavy track victory was his first black-type win with his other attempt second in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes.

It was also momentous for his jockey, leading apprentice Robbie Dolan, as it was his first Group win.

"He might run here in a week's time in the Galaxy," trainer Joe Pride said.

"I just want to see how he pulls up first. It was always our plan that if he ran well to potentially back him up because he is a good back-up horse, but we weren't counting on a Heavy 10.

"I'll keep an eye on him over the next 48 hours."

Doncaster on radar

Star Of The Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) will be given the opportunity to earn a berth in the G1 Doncaster Mile after he ploughed through the heavy ground at Rosehill.

Trainer Chris Waller said he head to the G3 Doncaster Prelude in two weeks, a race that holds a ballot exemption for the Randwick showpiece.

Star Of The Seas was having his seventh start in the Catanach's Handicap (1350m) and travelled just behind the speed for Kerrin McEvoy before balancing up in the straight and forging clear.

McEvoy said Star Of The Seas did a good job to get through the testing ground and his race fitness was the difference in the finish.

Mare leaves lasting impression

Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) produced a stunning effort to open her black type account at the first time of asking.

The 4-year-old settled at the tail end of the field before mounting a searching run and she powered away for a hollow win in the G3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle S. at Trentham.

“That was a bit special. She was last for a lot of the race so it was a super effort,” co-trainer Roger James said.

“It’s wonderful for Joan Egan, who’s a passionate breeder and she’s had the family for a long time.”

James indicated that Concert Hall would now be set for the G1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S.

Derby hope impresses

Global Exchange (Dundeel {NZ}) further boosted his G1 Australian Derby claims with a narrow, but impressive win in the G2 Alister Clark S. at Moonee Valley.

Ridden by Ben Melham, he made his run on the outside coming to the home turn and was able to edge past Declarationofheart (Declaration Of War {USA}) to score by half-head.

Eustace said Global Exchange was now primed for the Derby.

"The Derby has been the plan the whole way through, really since the spring when we put him away," he said. "There looks a lot of upside to him, the further we get."

Sires’ Produce target

Highly-regarded colt Equinox (NZ) (Exceed And Excel) has earned a crack at a Group 1 prize after a narrow victory at Trentham.

He made all the running in the TAB March Madness Cup and his win has confirmed a tilt at the Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce S.

“He got a nice, soft lead and he’s a better colt when he’s ridden with cover and got something to chase,” trainer Jamie Richards said.

Raced by the Te Akau 2018 Colt Breeding Partnership, Equinox was bought out of Pencarrow Stud’s Karaka draft for NZ$750,000 and is a son of the G3 Taranaki Cup winner Our Ella Belle (Encosta de Lago). She also finished third in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas.

Valuable stakes success

Volks Lightning (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) is racing on borrowed time and she made the most of it when successful in the Listed gavelhouse.com Lightning H.

“She deserves this. She’s been Miss Consistent all the way through,” co-trainer Bailey Rogerson said.

Volks Lightning has won six races and has a Group 1 placing to her credit and is likely to be offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Broodmare Sale this year.

Santa Anita to remain closed

Santa Anita Park management has decided not to re-open the track for live racing on March 22, as was scheduled, following a meeting of owners The Stronach Group and various stakeholders.

The reason was an inability to reach agreement on their plan to ban Lasix, according to California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) executive director Alan Balch.

“We had a lengthy, serious and frank exchange of views on Lasix, because we believe very strongly that the administration of Lasix is in the interest of the welfare of the horse,” Balch said.

No news has yet been given as to a possible re-scheduled opening date at Santa Anita.

The Stronach Group had announced prior to the latest meeting that the use of race day medication, including Lasix, would be banned at Santa Anita.