A homebred for Torryburn Stud, talented Zoustar filly Stardom was a stakes-winner back in May on Scone Cup Day and recaptured her best form at Moonee Valley on Saturday to take out the $200,000 Listed Crockett Stakes (1200m).
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Stardom was a last start close fifth in a Group III race at Moonee Valley last month and took good experience from the outing.
With the benefit of an inside gate and a perfect ride from James McDonald, Stardom used her speed to advantage and was tenacious to the line winning by a long neck over Hanseatic filly Rohesia to take her overall record to three wins from six starts with prizemoney topping $284,000.
James McDonald does not ride many for the Waterhouse Bott stable, but made the most of the opportunity.
"Very simple instructions from Gai and Adrian. They're accustomed to rolling forward and setting a nice speed,” he said.
"The bone and muscle of Waterhouse-Bott came through in the end.
"She is extremely honest, very game and gave me a beautiful ride and it was a pleasure to partner her today. She's very tenacious. This win won't be her last."
Gai Waterhouse was thrilled to get the win for the Cornish family on Cox Plate Day.
"I'm only having a short day here because I'm going home to watch it on the telly,” she revealed.
"I'm just delighted. We planned for this race (and) we thought it could happen and James made it happen.
"She's changed and matured. Being down here in the smaller stable (has suited). She's been here a while and has put on great condition. She's tenacious. She may not be the biggest filly but she's got a lot of heart."
Stardom is the best of three winners from Group III winning Snitzel mare Diddums, who was also bred and raced by the Cornish family.
A half-sister to five time Group I winner Voyage Bubble, Diddums has a yearling filly by Toronado (IRE) and has foaled this spring producing a colt by Zoustar that will be a full brother to Stardom.
Stardom is the fourth stakes-winner of the new season for Widden Stud’s reigning champion Australian sire Zoustar.
