Trainer Tara Laing continued her glorious run of form with a smart double at Fairview on Friday, which included a deserved first stakes success for the supremely consistent Var filly, Star Burst Galaxy.
Callan Murray has Star Burst Galaxy in full control (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
Undeterred by a powerful Cape challenge and the threat of ominous stormy weather conditions, Tara Laing had Star Burst Galaxy in fine fettle for her assault on the R150 000 Listed Lady’s Pendant and the 4yo duly led all the way to score an easy win over the turf 1200m in a time of 69,87 secs.
Avontuur-sponsored Callan Murray has built up a good understanding with the flying filly and the young rider kept his mount well balanced all the way to the wire as Our Destiny challenged briefly. The winner had 2,25 lengths to spare at the post as she picked up a deserved black type credit.
Tara Laing – great form continues
Her form shows that she has only been out of the money once in a career that dates back to December 2015, when she made a winning debut as a 2yo for Mike Azzie at Turffontein.
Justin Snaith’s Angel’s Trumpet blew her chances when losing valuable ground at the jump.
With an electric storm over Fairview, racing was delayed for close on an hour but Tara Laing hardly noticed. Matching the clouds overhead, her 6yo Dynasty grey Stormy Eclipse charged home under Charles Ndlovu in a partnership of Dr Ashley Parker and Gavin Venter to register his eighth career win two races earlier.
Bred by Ian Heyns, Star Burst Galaxy is a daughter of Var (Forest Wildcat) out of the three-time winning Majestic Star (Doowaley).
She is a half-sister to Justin Snaith’s promising 2017 Gr3 Victress Stakes winner, Star Express.
Originally purchased by Mayfair Speculators off the 2015 Emperors Palace Select Yearling Sale for R800 000, she changed hands recently following the unbundling of the SA champion owners. Star Burst Galaxy now races for Cape-based Etienne Braun and Paul Loomes, who resides in KZN.
Star Burst Galaxy has now won 7 races with 12 places from 20 starts for stakes of R577 050.
Like her trainer, she should pay to follow.
