Star Patrol opened his stakes account in the Sheen Panel Service WJ Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sandown-Hillside on Australian Day in a fashion that suggests better races are in store for the son of Starspangledbanner.
Ridden by Ben Melham for Clinton McDonald, Star Patrol displayed an electric turn of foot to put the race to bed in a matter of 50 metres.
On The Lead (I Am Invincible) ran into traffic problems in the straight but could get no closer than one and three-quarter lengths, with Dragonstone (Mikki Isle) a further half-length back in third after having trouble securing a clear run.
Beginning his career with Kacy Fogden before transferring to Mark Newnham and then Clinton McDonald, Star Patrol is building an impressive strike rate.
The 4yo gelding advances to four wins, three seconds and two thirds from 12 starts, with earnings of $332,000.
“I was surprised when Starry Legend went back, but Yulong Command ripped along, and I was surprised how well he jumped and put himself there, McDonald said.
“I was pretty confident once ben balanced him up. I said don’t let him go until you got him straight and his action is right.
“Once he gave him one on the backside, he let rip.
“He gets the speed wobbles, but we said to just go with him, don’t fight him.
“We are happy to see him come back and that we are on the right path.
“We have big targets in sight. Getting him into the Oakleigh Plate with no weight will be a big plus.”
Bred by Greenhaven Park Stud and Dream Run Thoroughbreds, the son of Starspangledbanner was a $78,000 purchase from the Lustre Lodge draft at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
He is the lone winner from two to race from the talented O’Reilly mare It’s One, who was a 5-time winner for Robbie Griffiths.
After missing for three seasons since Star Patrol, It’s One sold for just $800 at the 2021 Inglis June (Late) Online Sale. She was covered by Doubtland last spring.
Star Patrol becomes the 27th stakes-winner for Starspangledbanner. The son of Choisir has enjoyed great success north of the equator and did not return south after leaving for Coolmore, Ireland in 2021.
