Mathews Has Not Forgotten His Star
24 April, 2019
Thoroughbred
Trainer Alan Mathews is happy with the condition of Forgotten Star as she prepares to make it back to back wins in the Amelia Park Lamb Handicap (1400m) at Ascot on Thursday.
Mathews is confident the Star Witness filly will take further improvement from her first up victory at Ascot two weeks back when she scored a fighting head win over Advocator.
“I’m happy with the horse and she can’t do much more than what she has done for us at this stage,” Mathews told Tabradio.
“We thought she was going to need the run first-up, she was a bit big in condition, but she should benefit from that.
“The step up in distance shouldn’t be too much a bother for her, I think in time she will get up over the mile.”
Forgotten Star has filled a top three position in all her starts, winning twice and placing second since debuting at Northam last November.
Bought for $15,000 at the Perth Magic Million yearling sale, the three-year-old has currently banked close to $40,000 for connections.
Mathews says Forgotten Star is displaying positive signs after some early doubts.
“There is nothing special about her,” Mathews said.
“When we broke her in the breaker told me she would be the slowest racehorse we ever owned.
“She doesn’t do much to excite you, but the three times we’ve taken her to the races she has shown she definitely wants to be competitive.
“She should be improved off her first run for sure.”
Forgotten Star has drawn barrier one and will be ridden by apprentice, Emma Stent.
Mathews will also cast an enquiring eye later in the meeting when he unveils first starter She’s Alight.
After two solid trials the three-year-old debuts in the Western Racepix Handicap (1200m).
“We’ve given her a bit of time and haven’t chased her along, but her two trials have been pretty impressive,” Mathews said.
“Whatever she does she will improve on, but she shows us she is capable of running a forward race.
“If she could get a nice run off them, I think she can go ok.”
Stent also handles She’s Alight. The Tavistock filly jumps from barrier four.
Julio Santarelli