Trainer Ciaron Maher looking for another Shooting Star
The Ciaron Maher stable will be out to capture another Shooting Stars success at Cranbourne, this time with an up-and-coming mare.
On the Cranbourne Cup program 12 months ago, Jimmysstar announced his arrival with an explosive victory coming off a success at Bendigo.
The Shooting Stars (1500m) on Saturday will see Igotcha line up for the Maher stable with the lightly raced five-year-old heading to the races for only the tenth time.
Maher’s assistant-trainer Jack Turnbull said Saturday’s race was a nice option for the mare over a suitable journey and for good prize money.
“She keeps improving but we’ve had to space her runs just due to her weight,” Turnbull said.
“She’s always been a bit strung out and hollow looking but (owner) Gerry Ryan has been very good, giving us whatever time that she has needed.
“She’s down at the beach and doesn’t do a lot of galloping, instead more slower, longer work.”
Igotcha has won three of her nine starts to date, putting back-to-back victories together at Mornington and Moe before running a last start second over 1600m at Moonee Valley earlier in the month.
Saturday’s race carries $150,000 in prize money at Class 3 level.
“It profiles as the right race for her being restricted class and for good prize money, it’s a good option,” Turnbull said.
“It’s a rich race and Jimmysstar ran and won it 12 months ago.”
Jimmysstar has gone on to win a further three races since last year’s success, graduating to Group 1 level at his most recent appearance in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on November 16.
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