Local trainer Damien Lane is not quite sure what to expect from Star Approach, the latest addition to his in-form stable, which has its first NSW run in the WRC Weddings-Party-Corporate Benchmark 60 (1100m) at Wyong (Thursday).
Star Approach is the latest in a succession of horses that Lane has trained for Victorian breeder Eddie Hirsch and his late brother Jack.
“I have won with nearly every horse they have sent me but potentially I think this one will be the best,” Lane said. “However, I am not sure what to expect in this race. He has no wet track form and it’s his first start this way of going.
“I worked him on the grass a week or two back and while it wasn’t heavy it was certainly soft and he handled it well. You would think that coming from Victoria he would know how to handle heavy going.”
Lane said Star Approach had arrived ready to race but he had delayed the horse’s local debut because of a cut on one leg.
“He got a speedy cut at his last start down there and I wanted to get it cleared up before I started him,” Lane said. “I have found the horses they send me do best after a break, which gives them a chance to settle in. He will only have one or two starts then will go for a spell.”
Star Approach comes to Wyong with good Victorian provincial form, winning his maiden at Swan Hill at his second career start and with two placings at Kilmore and one at Swan Hill. Lane, who has had a highly successful season from only a small team, will also start Barstow in the www.wyong raceclub.com.au Class Two (1600m).
“I think she is some sort of chance because she loves heavy tracks,” Lane said. “She is a swimmer. Two starts back she ran a good third at Cessnock then turned in a shocker at Taree but went too hard early and had nothing left.”
– Racing NSW
