Debutante American Star (3g All American – Special Sweep) has put on a dazzling display to record a sizzling maiden win on the Parks track at Morphettville today.
Having trialled well at Morphettville behind the smart Viddora in early August, the gelding was set to make his debut against that same galloper two weeks later, but having drawn wide on a shifting track for that assignment trainer Mark Minervini decided to scratch American Star and save him for today's 1000 metre event.
Jumping from gate nine, stable jockey Shayne Cahill sent American Star forward and he hunted the gelding along for the first 300m in order to cross the field and find the lead.
The new boy settled well as they scooted along down the side, and Cahill was able to give American Star a quick breather for 150m, before it was time to push the button and once he did so, the gelding was off and gone.
American Star raced away on the home turn and skipped two clear. Nothing else had a chance as the stable jockey got busy and he raced away to record a comfortable win, two-and-a-half lengths clear of his nearest rival.
American Star recorded an overall time of 57.81s, scorching home his last 600m in 33.95s after doing work at both ends. The time was just above half a second quicker than the smart Victorian Bullpit recorded in winning over the same distance, later in the day.
The All American gelding was a $12,000 purchase by Mark Minervini at the 2014 Adelaide Magic Millions. His second dam, was the super sprinter Special and his pedigree page is littered with stakes-winners, including Bomber Bill, Special Song, Demographic, and Stavka.
Congratulations to the owners Mario Abbracciavento, Paul Alvaro, Kobeone Syndicate, Oswald Chegia, David Dicicco, Kevin Fisher, Joe Foggo, Wayne Foran, Brad Franklin, Stooge Racing, Mark Gosling, Rosine Inglis, Kirsty Marnane, Michelle Minervini, Everyone Reckons Syndicate, Mark Shilton, Boys Will Be Boys Syndicate and Josef Weber.
A replay of the race can be viewed at http://www.theracessa.com.au/show_video.php?track=30072&date=2015-09-05&race=2&trial=no
Daniel Borg
Trackside Media