Star Turn’s record-breaking 2yo Megastar Heart dug deep for a brave black-type victory in the Oxlade Stakes (LR, 1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Megastar Heart was never on the track from a wide barrier but refused to buckle when tackled by Embassy (I Am Invincible) at the furlong. Local racegoers who backed the Sydney visitor into a $3.10 favourite would have been concerned when his tail began swishing, nevertheless, he attacked the line for a hard-fought head victory.
“He’s a beautiful colt and well up there as one of the nicest two-year-olds I’ve trained,” Annabel Neasham declared. “He’s still quite green and I left it up to James (McDonald) from that tricky gate hoping he could get some cover.”
Megastar Heart broke the southern-hemisphere record for a 2yo at public auction when Pato Leung bought him for $825,000 at the NZB Ready To Run Sale last November. “I just have to persuade the owner to keep him in Australia for another year before whisking him off to Hong Kong. He’s a natural and will be better again next season.”
Neasham signalled his next assignment at the winter carnival will be the Tattersall’s Stakes (LR, 1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, June 29.
“That was a tough effort and he’s a nice horse.” McDonald said. “He kept building momentum and was strong late. The runner-up is pretty good as well so it bodes well for both horses in the future.”
Megastar Heart is the 8th Stakes winner by Vinery sire Star Turn and sent his Australian prizemoney for 2023-24 to a season-best $5,643,081. Derry Grove is his chief earner with $761,700 thanks a last-stride victory in the $1million Magic Millions The Syndicate (1100m) at the Gold Coast in January.
Fairview Park’s Ian and Linda Duckworth bred the Oxlade Stakes winner and he’s the first foal from Kembla Grange winner Commonwealth (Foxwedge). The Grose Wold couple have a Group 1 link with Vinery through 2014 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Mossfun. They bred Mossfun in partnership using Vinery sire Mossman over Snitzel mare Eye For Fun whose most recent foals are colts by Ole Kirk.
Vinery will stand Star Turn for $27,500 (inc GST) again this year with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
