Star Turn sprinter Pegasi proved he’s heading in the right direction with a resounding victory in the Porter Plant Hcp (1100m) at Ballarat.
Pegasi was Stakes-placed in the Inglis 2YO Millennium (RL, 1100m) at Randwick last year but had lost his way following an unplaced run behind Artorius in the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr.1, 1200m) at Caulfield.
Racing second-up on Tuesday, he tracked the speed and showed a glimpse of that ability with an authoritative win on his home track. “He’s a quality horse but had been impatient and over-racing,” co-trainer Tony McEvoy said. “He’s relaxing since we fitted pacifiers and seems to enjoy racing now. He ran right through the line today and I’m so pleased to see him take the first step back.”
Pegasi was bred by Rob Harding and was an $80,000 buy from Sledmere Stud at the 2020 Inglis Classic Sale. He’s a younger half-brother to Meteorite (Deep Field) who was a Moonee Valley winner for McEvoy just prior to that Sale. Their dam Draw Forward (Charge Forward) was Stakes-placed in Adelaide and also won three sprints at Moonee Valley.
“This is the first time I’ve been back on board since his first prep when he won at Geelong,” jockey Dean Holland recalled. “He got into a good rhythm off a good tempo today and chased them into the straight. That win will give him confidence and sometimes that all it takes.”
Perth trainer Grant Williams was also looking forward to better wins with his Star Turn mare Alsephina following her first-up victory at Belmont last Saturday.
Alsephina powered home to score for the third time in The Professionals Hcp (1200m). “She’s got ability but was a little bit soft today,” Williams admitted. “We sent her up to Jeff and Fenella Martin for barrier practice and then she pulled up big after trialling.
“We knew there was improvement on whatever happened here. She’s grown quite a lot and will be a lovely horse in another six months.”
Alsephina was bred by Michael and Carolyn Grant and they race her in a partnership that includes Neil Pinner, Tony Buhagiar, Chris Chalwell and Tim McLernon.
Her dam Delta Gee (Street Cry) won the 2009 Natasha Stakes (LR, 2200m) at Ascot and was later transferred to Leon Corstens to finish second behind Response in the 2010 VRC Matron Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) at Flemington.
Vinery Stud stands Star Turn for a $27,500 fee (inc GST). For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
