Trainer Chris Bieg claimed Starsongari has a heart the size of a lion after her latest victory in the Australian Made Hcp (1300m) at Morphettville.
The Star Turn mare wins at least once every prep and Saturday’s result was one of her best for Brentknoll Thoroughbreds owner Tim Lillie. “You can’t ask for much more,” Bieg declared. “It was a sticky draw and she was in a bit of bother out the back. But she’s brave and pushed through a gap for a really good win.
“She’s ultra-consistent and I’m so proud of her.”
Starsongari shouldered 60kg less a claim for apprentice Sheriden Tomlinson to lead home a Vinery Stud-sired quinella from Lady Simone (All Too Hard). “I was a bit nervous jumping from the inside barrier and I was sweating on a run in the straight,” he admitted. “When it came, she finished off super.”
The flashy chestnut was bred by Lime Country Thoroughbreds and was a $90,000 foal graduate from its draft to the 2019 Magic Millions National Foal Sale. Her dam Msongari (Show A Heart) won in New Zealand and second-dam Flying Babe (Flying Spur) was a Champion NZ 2YO.
“She has thrown to the sire with four white stockings and a blaze,” Lime Country’s Jo Griffin said at the Gold Coast Sale. “She’s strong with plenty of bone and has a beautiful action.”
Star Turn’s 3yo filly Overriding went two-from-two this prep with a powerful finish in the Palmieri Conveyancing Hcp (1250m) at Newcastle on Saturday. She had scored an on-pace victory at her home track first-up on May 20 for part-owner and trainer Nathan Doyle.
“She has lots of upside and made it back-to-back after being slightly slow away,” Doyle said. “Koby (Jennings) gave her a patient ride before making a move. She wound up and finished over the top of the leader to win by a length.”
Overriding was purchased by Doyle and Oxford Lodge Bloodstock for $35,000 from Baramul Stud at the 2021 Adelaide Magic Millions. Her unraced 2yo half-sister Sparklenglitter (All Too Hard) is with trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr).
Their dam My Hussy (Hussonet) is a daughter of NZ-bred mare Platonic (Trustful) who won a Cuddle Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) at Trentham and a Summoned Stakes (LR, 1600m) at Sandown.
The interstate double by Starsongari and Overriding presaged another successful month for Star Turn following 10 individual winners in May. His overall winners-to-runners strike-rate is a massive 71%.
Star Turn will stand at Vinery for a $27,500 service fee this year alongside Ole Kirk ($55,000), All Too Hard ($38,500), Exceedance ($33,000), Headwater ($13,200) and Casino Prince ($5,500). All fees include GST and are payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
