Vinery sire Star Turn is off to a flyer with 8 individual winners since August 1 and his budding stayer Flyway was the first to double up in the Fotobase Group Hcp (1800m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
The Scott Westover-trained 5yo gelding is stretching out further than a mile for the first time in his career this season after claiming the Pure Wine Co Hcp (1700m) at Gawler on August 2.
“You never stop learning in this industry,” Westover said. “I made mistakes during his first prep over here earlier this year. He was also held back by an eye ulcer and foot abscess.
“We removed the blinkers and started working him like a stayer. I knew there was a Saturday race in him and so did my best mate Jake (Toeroek). We were going to ride him quietly today but he jumped too well so Jake showed initiative to let him slide and sit outside the leader.
“The pressure went on midrace. That sparked him up and it’s great to see him turn the corner. The stable is going super and it’s also great to see Jason Carvill and Andrew McClure celebrating with all the other owners. Those two guys have supported me from Day 1.”
Flyway was originally trained by Edward Cummings to win a Goulburn 3yo maiden for Baramul Stud owner-breeder Gerry Harvey before transferring to South Australia.
His dam Secretary Bird (Testa Rossa) is a sister to NZ Stakes winner Testa Secret and the Star Turn – Testa Rossa cross has a towering 83% strike-rate led by 2022 Inglis Nursery (LR, 1000m) winner Saltaire.
Secretary Bird’s 4yo mare That’s All Good (All Too Hard) won a Sunshine Coast maiden second time out for trainers John Symonds and Sheila Laxon in June. She also has a 2yo filly and yearling filly by All Too Hard.
Flyway’s win kicked off a successful afternoon for Toeroek. He also rode See You In Heaven (Divine Prophet) to claim the Behemoth Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) in the feature race of the day, however, the first-leg was just as satisfying.
“We were crawling out there and I was making the most of those cheap sectionals until Lachie (Neindorf) took off on Flight Deck.
“I had to go with him and right on the line I wasn’t sure who had won. Neither was Lachie. But Scott and me are like brothers and I’m really happy for him to go back-to-back with Flyway.”
Star Turn’s 8 individual winners this season have arrived in every mainland State. He stands at Vinery Stud for a $27,500 (inc GST) service fee payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
This year’s Vinery Stud stallion parades will be on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of August, starting at 8:30am on both days. If you have any questions, please call us on 02 6543 8333. It’s essential to RSVP at: https://vinery.com.au/2023-vinery-stallion-parades/
