South Australian trainer Gordon Richards hopes the euphoria of a Group One win at Flemington can be repeated when Bold Star runs in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
Richards won his first Group One race when Gytrash took out the Lightning Stakes at Flemington last week and admitted he was still on cloud nine ahead of Bold Star’s assault on one of Australia’s toughest speed tests on Saturday.
Bold Star has been a model of consistency since having his first start in Melbourne five runs ago after winning four races in Adelaide.
He followed a success at The Valley in November with wins at Flemington in December and January, punctuated with a second placing in the Standish Handicap at Flemington on New Year’s Day.
Bold Star’s most recent outing was a closing second to Anaheed in the Group Two Rubiton Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance on February 8.
Importantly for Bold Star the gelding drops 6kg on Saturday, drawing ideally in barrier eight in the capacity 18-horse field.
Following his latest effort, Richards returned Bold Star to his Morphettville stable where the trainer made use of a water walker.
Morphettville houses the only water walker at a metropolitan track and Richards says it has been instrumental in the success of Gytrash and Bold Star in Melbourne.
“I use the water walker a lot. It’s been a great advantage for us, especially with these two horses, and that’s why I bring them home,” Richards said.
“It’s quite busy but it may get busier if I keep spruiking it.”
Singapore-based Daniel Moor is returning to Melbourne to partner Bold Star on Saturday.
Richards says he sees plenty of chances in what he describes as a “ripper race”.
With luck in running Richards believes Bold Star has undeniable claims to post the trainer’s second Group One success in eight days.
“I think every run he’s had this prep he’s found the line, albeit this is his toughest task,” Richards said.
“His sectionals behind Anaheed, one of the horses he’s up against on Saturday, were great and he meets her on three kilo better terms.
“There’ll be a ton of speed on up front and I think if he gets some of the breaks in the race, he’ll go well.”