A career highlight for the resilient 3-year-old Zoustar colt Starlust, who came with a barnstorming finish from last on the turn to triumph in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar.
Making his tenth start of the season, the Ralph Beckett-trained colt survived a bumping duel in the closing stages to defeat Motorious (Muhaarar) by a neck with Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy) a nose back in third.
Connection endured a worrying few minutes before stewards let the result stand.
The odd-on favourite Cogburn, who will join Zoustar at Widden, set a torrid pace before wilting over the final furlong.
Starlust finished third behind Big Evs in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at her eighth start last year.
"This horse has been knocking on the door all year," said winning jockey Rossa Ryan. "It's just great to see him do it on the big stage. He's been a bridesmaid. But brilliant, unbelievable performance."
Beckett praised the daring ride of Rossa Ryan.
"What a ride he gave it," Beckett told Racing Post.
"I said just before he left the paddock, 'Don't be afraid to go burrowing along the rail, because they will fan out. It's extraordinary and I'm really pleased for [owners] Jim and Fitri Hay who are big supporters of the game.
"He's a really tough horse and that shone through. He's not had a break all year and has been at it since Dubai in March. He had a tough trip in the Abbaye but today he was very good. Rossa gets better by the month and today he was at his very, very best."
Starlust was purchased for 55,000 guineas by Dermot Farrington from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 and has the overall record of six wins and six placings from 18 starts.
He is a half-brother to stakes-winner Queen of Desire from Group III winning Invincible Spirit sprinter Beyond Desire.
Starlust is the ninth Group/Grade 1 winner for Widden Stud’s Zoustar.
