Strong Start for Star Turn

South Australian-based Ross Hatton launched Rathmore Bloodstock earlier this year and he's heading in the right direction with a Star Turn – Msongari filly (Lot 356) at the Magic Millions WeanlingSale on Thursday.

Hatton paid $90,000 for the chestnut filly who is from the first crop of Vinery Stud's Group 1 sprinter Star Turn.

"She's a proper filly and is a forward type with a view to the 2020 yearling sales. She's has all the characteristics I was looking for…a super mover and well-balanced with the right conformation and attitude.

"She was my pick of the Star Turns at the National Sale.

Her dam Msongari (Show A Heart), a winner in New Zealand and Hawkesbury, was quickly off the mark at stud when her first foal Kenyan Wonder won twice at Morphettville earlier this season.

Hatton branched out on his own after seven years at Cornerstone Stud. He named the business Rathmore Bloodstock after the property operated by his grandfather in Ireland.

Lime Country Thoroughbreds owners Greg and Jo Griffin sold the filly and believe she should come to hand early being a grand-daughter of Champion NZ 2YO Flying Babe. 

"She has thrown to the sire with four white stockings and a blaze," Jo Griffin said."She's strong with plenty of bone and a beautiful action."

Star Turn (Star Witness) was a sprinter of the highest calibre winning the Pierro Plate as an early-season 2yo at Randwick before returning as a 3yo with a dominant victory over Golden Slipper winner Capitalist in the Gr.3 San Domenico Stakes.He produced another brilliant burst of acceleration to win the Schillaci Stakes Gr.2 against older horses at Caulfield and then signed off with an unlucky third in the Coolmore Stud Stakes Gr.1.

Earlier at the National Sale, Noralla Stud's Nick Nolan sold a Star Turn – Capable Mahira filly to respected Gold Coast judge Andrew Bowcock for $52,000.