More Than Ready colt Star Of Africa will be set for the Magic Millions Guineas-RL at the Gold Coast after maintaining his unbeaten record at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The Snowden Racing 3yo defeated older horses in a Benchmark 68 sprint following a first-up victory at Warwick Farm last month. He took over at the furlong and responded gamely when challenged to score by a nose.
“He met some tough, seasoned horses here today but did a great job,” jockey Blake Shinn said. “He’s got plenty of ability but is still learning. I’m sure he will just get better and better.”
Star Of Africa is raced by a syndicate including China Horse Club after selling for $300,000 through the Kia-Ora Stud consignment at the 2016 Gold Coast Magic Millions. His dam Rock Of Fortune (Fastnet Rock) is a half-sister to Chic Choice (Laelia Stakes-LR) and she was stakes-placed on debut at Caulfield behind subsequent Golden Slipper-Gr.1 winner Crystal Lily.
“He’s a Magic Millions horse and that’s definitely a target,” Peter Snowden predicted. “We’ve always thought a fair bit of this horse and I do feel there’s a lot of upside. He’s going to get further and we’re looking for him to keep progressing.”
Star Of Africa’s long-term goal is the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) scheduled for January 13.