Tough campaigner Star Casino has always been forced to race in the shadows of his illustrious full-brother Self Assured and his half-brother Caviar Star.
But the tigerish New Zealand-bred seven-year-old is emerging from the shade and is commanding due respect in his own right.
Trained by Ray Williams and driven by Ryan Warwick, Star Casino was a $15.70 chance from the awkward barrier six in the $31,000 Just Nova Media Cup over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The plans of Williams and Warwick to set Star Casino the task of working hard in the breeze on the outside of the anticipated leader and $2.35 favourite Talks Up A Storm proved highly successful.
Star Casino had to expend extra energy as he raced three wide for the first 550m before getting to the breeze. And Warwick was in no mood to relinquish this position when Chris Lewis challenged strongly with Goodfellaz in the first circuit.
Better Eclipse ($5.50) came from last at the 1200m to race three wide in the last lap which saw Star Casino taking a narrow lead 420m from home. Then Better Eclipse gained the upper hand with about 250m to travel. However, Star Casino fought back determinedly to regain the lead in the straight and beat Better Eclipse by a half-length, rating a smart 1.55.3.
“Star Casino is a tough little horse,” said Williams. “He started from 50 metres and came from last to win at Pinjarra on Monday. And this is probably the best he has ever raced.”
Star Casino is by champion sire Bettors Delight and is the seventh and final foal out of Christian Cullen mare Star Of Venus, who was retired to the breeding barn after racing 23 times for two wins, six placings and $20,098. Her seven foals have combined to win 114 races, with Self Assured showing the way with earnings of $2,410,066 from 30 wins and 33 placings from 74 starts, and Caviar Star racing 49 times for 14 wins, 15 placings and $362,582.
