News

Starspangledbanner Claims Hat-trick in McNeil Stakes

30th Aug 2009

Racing And Sports - Alex Steedman - Saturday, 29 August 2009

Starspangledbanner has claimed his third win from as many starts this preparation with victory in the Group 3 $125,000 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield today.

Starspangledbanner had been a model of consistency this preparation in the lead up to today, winning his last two starts which included a 2.5 length success in the Listed Vain Stakes (1100m) a fortnight ago.

A win in today's Group 3 was made tougher for Starspangledbanner due to drawing the widest gate, carrying the topweight and the step up to 1200m, a distance he had yet to win over.

The son of Choisir went straight to the lead, positioned away from the rail by jockey Danny Nikolic.

Starspangledbanner continued to lead around the turn and never appeared threatened by his rivals, winning the Group 3 McNeil Stakes by a neck to Tollesprit.

Eclair Fastpass was a further half length away in third. Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes winner Tickets finished fifth resuming in his first start under the care of Peter Moody.

Today's McNeil Stakes at Caulfield was Starspangledbanner's first win at Group level.

He was previously placed at Group 3 level in the colts and geldings Blue Diamond Prelude behind Real Saga during the autumn.

The Leon Corstens-trained three-year-old will be after his fourth straight win when he tackles the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on September 19.

Despite being untried over 1400m, the distance is of no concern to Corstens.

“The 1400m I don't think I'll worry too much about, the mile is another kettle of fish,” Corstens said.

“The 1400m around here if we get a good draw isn't too bad, but the 1600m there is a big question mark.”

“He does everything right at home. He's got the makings of a nice horse and he keeps winning which is great.”

From seven career starts, Starspangledbanner now has four wins and two minor placings to his credit.

The colts prizemoney earnings now total just in excess of $400,000.

Starspangledbanner was a $120,000 purchase at the 2008 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

His grand dam is National Song who is a half sister to Circles Of Gold, the dam of multiple Group 1 winners and stallions Elvstroem and Haradasun.