Win 2 - Scottish Star Super on Debut

Scottish Star   (3 f Bullbars - Highland Lights, by Fantastic Light), a half-sister to Group performed stable-mate Our Abbadean (Lookin' at Lucky), debuted with a terrific win in the $10,000 O'Reilly's Motel Maiden 1200 metres on 27 March at Matamata.

Interestingly, trainer Jamie Richards had arranged for Our Abbadean to have an exhibition gallop between races earlier in the day and following her pleasing work it was then the turn of Scottish Star to shine. 

A winner of the Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr. 2, 2000m) and Travis Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m), Our Abbadean has registered Group One thirds in both the Tarzino Trophy (Gr. 1, 1400 metres) and Captain Cook Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) this season and now preparing to better those feats in the $200,000 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Saturday 6 April at Te Aroha.

Scottish Star was purchased by David Ellis for $46,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale, from the draft of Wentwood Grange, and owned by the Te Akau Scottish Star Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“It was a really nice win and a peach of a ride by Opie (Bosson),” Ellis said. “She's another example of a filly that has just needed a bit of time and Jamie has managed her beautifully. 

“It was a lovely win for the owners. We didn't spend a lot to buy her. Jamie identified her and I was happy with what I saw and the Hawkins boys (Wentwood Grange) came to me a week later and said they'd like to put a partnership into a share too, so it's terrific.

Following a close second with a resolute win at the trials on 5 February at Te Aroha, Scottish Star was given a rails-hugging ride by Bosson and from a position three back on the inner she sprinted through to win with some authority.

“She did everything perfectly, got a nice run and sprinted through when I asked her,” Bosson said.

On Dead4 footing, Scottish Star ran the 1200 metres in a competitive 1:10.2 and returned $5.50 & $2.00 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“She probably ended up a little bit further back than where we wanted to be, but she got a lovely ride from Opie (Bosson) and snuck up the fence for a really good win,” Richards said. “She's a promising sort of filly. 

“Her trials had been okay, but twelve months ago she had shown absolutely nothing so she's come a long way. She's a slow maturing sort of filly, but the owners have been very patient and let us take our time with her and a half-sister to Our Abbadean so she's well related. 

“We knew the family, had a high opinion of Our Abbadean, and credit to Dave for buying her as it shows it's not just the expensive ones that make the grade. She's come out and raced well for a great group of owners, including new people that Sean and Dean Hawkins have got involved, so overall it's very pleasing.

“If she could work her way through the grades she has got a bit of value and it won't be the last win you see from her.”

Although requiring time to develop further, Richards indicated that all going well Scottish Star could race again in the next few weeks and while good footing prevails.

In accepting the spoils on behalf of the owners, Gary Hyde said: “It's very exciting and I was very nervous. I'd had two horses race over the last twelve years at Matamata, both finished third, so it's absolutely amazing to win. I was just about in tears and pretty superstitious I changed my position in the stands a couple of times.”

Relaying how breeders Wentwood Grange continued a vested interest in the filly, Dean Hawkins said: “Sean (Hawkins) had a few mates in a betting syndicate and got involved with the winnings off Valley Girl when she won the Herbie Dyke Stakes. They had a good punt and with five of his mates they decided to invest in this filly after the sales.

“They've taken a day off work to come along and it's just so exciting for all of us. It's been a great story and for Our Abbadean to come out and perform as well as she has gives this filly plenty of residual value.”

Within her bloodlines there is a very interesting cross of Glorious Song (Halo). Glorious Song is the dam of two internationally acclaimed stallions: Singspiel (In the Wings) and Rahy (Blushing Groom). Singspiel features on the dam side of Bullbars, and Rahy is the sire of dam sire Fantastic Light. 

Scottish Star was strapped by Libby Richards and Raj Rasheed.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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