Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Starlight Dream, a noted brilliant sit-sprinter, revealed a different side of her racing characteristics when she was seen in the unusual role of pacemaker in the $30,000 Shockwave At Stud Restricted Spring Feature Pace for mares at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
She was the $2.70 favourite from the prized No. 1 barrier and her trainer Donald Harper took full advantage of this by setting her the task of leading all the way over the 2130m journey.
However, Harper had a few concerns when Aiden De Campo got $15 chance Sovrana away smartly from the No. 3 barrier. Sovrana led by a length but was unable to cross Starlight Dream, who responded to Harper’s hard driving to take up the running.
After a brisk lead time of 36.1sec. Starlight Dream covered the opening quarters in 30.1sec. and 29.5sec. before giving her rivals little chance by sprinting over the final 400m sections in 28.2sec. and 28.3sec.
Jocelyn Young sent $8.50 chance Peaceful forward from the rear 300m after the start and the four-year-old mare worked hard in the breeze before fighting on to finish third, a half-head behind $17 chance Little Darling, who finished strongly after enjoying a perfect trip behind the pacemaker all the way.
Seven-year-old Starlight Dream has resumed after a four-month absence in splendid style with a fast-finishing victory and Friday night’s all-the-way win at a smart 1.55 rate.
“She was a bit hesitant when I used her off the gate tonight, and this cost us a length early,” said Harper. “And it was good to absorb some pressure and run a good time. She won easily with the plugs still in.
“Now I’m hoping she will gain a start in the Norms Daughter Classic (November 8) and the Mares Classic (November 22).”
Starlight Dream, a mare by Alta Christiano and out of former brilliant sit-sprinter Dreams Daughter, has raced only 17 times for ten wins, two placings and $78,334.