Off the scene for almost four months, the Adam Durrant-trained mare Enticing Star extended her winning sequence to eight when making a successful foray into stakes racing in Saturday's Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) at Belmont Park.
The 5yo daughter of Testa Rossa was a long odds-on favourite to keep her unbeaten record intact.
Settled back last of the five runners by William Pike, Enticing Star ambled up to the leaders to defeat Great Shot (Magnus) by three-quarters of a length with Disposition (Reset) the same distance back in third.
Owner-breeder Bob Peters said the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in December was the mare's goal.
"It's obvious that this was a massive step," Peters told The West Australian.
"She had to win really didn't she if she was any good because she had 6.5kg less than the second horse.
"I think she'll just have a rest. But I haven't decided yet, I just wanted to get today out of the way.
"She was always in my mind for the Winterbottom and nothing's changed."
Enticing Star is the second foal and second winner out of the stakes-placed More Than Ready (USA) mare Favourite Star who is a half-sister to Listed winner and Group 1-placed Star Encounter (Jeune) who is the dam of Group II WATC Perth Cup winner and Group 1 BRC Doomben Cup runner-up Star Exhibit (Statue Of Liberty) as well as Group II Western Australian Guineas winner Perfect Jewel (Redoute's Choice) and Listed winner Royal Star (Redoute's Choice).
Enticing Star becomes the 64th stakes-winner for Vinery Stud stalwart Testa Rossa (pictured ).
