Ryan harbours Gr.1 ambitions for his Star

After taking her native Tasmania by storm, Toronado (High Chaparral) 4YO Still A Star conquered her first stakes race in Melbourne, as the Gr.3 winner followed up her runner-up effort in the Victoria Handicap with victory in the Anniversary Vase (Listed, 1400m). The victory is a poignant one for her trainer Bill Ryan, as the 73YO continues to battle health problems. Still A Star hugged the rails under Michael Poy, and moved clear of the staying-on Missile Mantra (Smart Missile) to win comfortably a length and three-quarters, with Riddle Me That (Deep Field) in third.

“I thought she was cruising (in the run), she had a kick in the finish," Ryan said. "I'd love to win a Gr.1 with her if she's good enough, we'll certainly give her a chance.” The mare was a $13,000 yearling buy for Monica Ryan at the Magic Millions Tasmania Yearling Sale in 2018 and now takes her record to nine wins from 16 starts.