Star Turn mare My Snow Queen has been a busy girl since resuming from a spell in May but she looked as fresh as a daisy winning the Ladbrokes Communities Hcp (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.
It was her 7th start in two months and she’s filled out the quinella in all bar one of those outings. “This girl has been amazing and she’s recovered really well,” trainer David Vandyke declared on Monday. “We had no luck last prep but we’re having a great time this campaign.
“She’s an in-form 6yo mare now and that was probably a career-best performance. She’s had a few runs recently but has a beautiful coat and isn’t done with yet.”
My Snow Queen (pictured) pinged the gates and never saw another rival thanks to a perfectly-judged ride by apprentice Tahlia Fenlon. She led home a Vinery Stud-sired quinella from Manhood (Headwater) and Vandyke will send her around again in a Class 6 Plate over 1200m later this month.
Saturday’s victory sent her earnings through $300,000 for a family and friends partnership managed by Jazcom Thoroughbreds owner Colin Branthwaite and his wife Meagan. “She has a kind eye and a good head,” Branthwaite said. “She also has a massive stride and I liked her from the start.”
My Snow Queen had claimed her maiden at Goulburn for trainer by John Sargent and saluted again during a short prep for John Smerden before winning her first race for Vandyke at Beaudesert on Xmas Eve in 2022.
Star Turn sired her on a maiden cover to Tony McEvoy’s Morphettville winner Lionel Left Me (Casino Prince). The dam is a younger half-sister to Amovatio (Al Maher) who won a Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield for Chris Waller prior to graduating to a Group 3 victory in the 2016 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m).
The 2023-24 season was the most productive so far for Star Turn with four crops racing. Renowned for a superb strike-rate, he maintained a 71% winners-to runners record last season while his progeny earnings topped $6 million for the first time in Australia
Star Turn will stand at Vinery for $27,500 (inc GST) again this year with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
This year’s Vinery Open Days are on Saturday 24 August and Sunday 25 August. Gates open at 8:30am and the stallions start parading at 9am. Registration for this event is essential so that it can be accurately catered to avoid wastage. Contact McKoy on (02) 6543 8333 or mckoy@vinery.com.au
