Trainer Moloney sees ongoing enhancement in Hearcomesthestar

Improvement has marked every preparation, and John Moloney, the trainer, expects additional development from Hearcomesthestar in her upcoming appearance at Flemington.

From 28 races, Hearcomesthestar has notched six wins and eight places, but Stakes grade has proven challenging for her.

The approaching six-year-old earned a Listed placing at Geelong earlier this year, with Moloney aiming for Hearcomesthestar to achieve a Black Type victory in Saturday's Listed Straight Six (1200m).

In 2005, Moloney captured the Straight Six aboard Songs Of Vienna, who resembled Hearcomesthestar in certain respects.

"I won this race with Songs Of Vienna and she was there at the right time," Moloney said.

"So, it's probably not a bad race to go after with this mare, especially as The Goodwood was run last week in Adelaide where all the good sprinters went around.

"It's a chance race for a horse like her to get some Black Type."

Debuting victoriously at Sandown in May 2023, Hearcomesthestar has contested Stakes races each subsequent year, often settling midfield.

Moloney notes progressive gains in Hearcomesthestar as she matures physically.

This trend is familiar to Moloney from mares including Bella Nipotina, Black Caviar, Pride Of Jenni, and Via Sistina, who thrived later in careers.

"She has steadily got better from prep to prep to where she is now," Moloney said.

"A little bit stronger, a little bit better, not by big margins but just each time she has come back into training there has been improvement, so to take on some Black Type racing, as we are on Saturday, it's worthwhile.

"I'm not saying we're Bella Nipotina or Via Sistina, or mares like that, but they seemed to get better with age.

"They trained on, so it's amazing, that if they are looked after, they can keep producing pretty good runs.

"Here's hoping she can keep finding that little bit extra for these types of races."

Hearcomesthestar's return at Bendigo heartened Moloney, as she surged from last to third past Stoli Bolli.

"It was fantastic," Moloney said.

"The way she got home from the back, to make up that ground with 59 (kilos) on her back.

"We're meeting the winner again, Stoli Bolli, and I would like to think that wherever it finishes, we won't be far away again with reasonable luck."

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