Nichols excited over I Am A Star progress

Darryl Sherer - Tuesday July 25

Trainer Shane Nichols cannot wait to get his Group I-winning filly I Am A Star back to the races.

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I Am A Star winning the Group I Myer Classic last year. Photo: Darryl Sherer

The rising four-year-old daughter of I Am Invincible is close to resuming and her trainer is delighted with the way she is progressing.

"She galloped nicely this morning and she's in good form," Nichols said. "All things being equal she will have a barrier trial at Cranbourne on August 7."

I Am A Star last raced on May 6 when finishing third to Secret Agenda in the Group I Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 6.

Nichols opted to miss the Group I Goodwood at Morphettville two weeks later with the future in mind.

"She'd had two interstate trips to Sydney for the Doncaster then to Adelaide for the Sangster," Nichols said.

"I wanted to make sure she would get a clear five weeks spell into the spring so we decided to pass on the Goodwood and I'm glad we did.

"As a three-year-old filly she was going to meet those older horses badly at the weights so to be honest with you I was glad she already in the paddock by the time the Goodwood was run."

Nichols said last year's Myer Classic winner has taken good benefit from her time in the spelling paddock.

"She looks enormous, probably the best she has - she looks that good I can't wait to get her racing again," Nichols said.

"As she's already a Group One winner we'll be aiming high with her in the spring. Certainly a race like the Memsie (Stakes) at Caulfield and the other weight-for-age races at a mile.

"Depending on how she is coping with those then we'll see if she can stretch out over a bit further."

Nichols is considering either the Group III Auries Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on August 12 or the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield the following week for I Am A Star to kick off her spring campaign.

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