Nervous Wait For Peters’ Star
9 November, 2018
Thoroughbred
Prominent owner-breeder Bob Peters admits he is experiencing a tinge of nerves ahead of Enticing Star’s bid to maintain her unbeaten record at Ascot on Saturday.
Enticing Star is the raging $1.85 TABtouch favourite to make it nine straights wins when she tackles top company in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).
With two Railway Stakes winners, two WA Guineas champions and a WA Derby victor in the Lee Steere Stakes, Enticing Star faces her toughest test to date.
Enticing Star, who has not raced since taking out her first feature race, the Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) a month ago, has drawn barrier seven.
William Pike, a winner of four Lee Steere Stakes with Marasco (2008), Ranger (2011), Perfect Reflection (2016) and (Silverstream (2017), keeps the ride.
“I will be relieved when it comes around,” Peters said.
“I think the small field helps her as there is less to go past.
“Everything seems to be right with her.
“There is a bit of pressure of course, but the main thing is we look after her and put her in races that she can win.”
Enticing Star, a daughter of Testa Rossa, will be joined in the Lee Steere Stakes by Peter’s two other runners, Star Exhibit and Perfect Jewel.
“Star Exhibit would need further,” Peters said.
“Perfect Jewel is a nice filly who did a good job last year.
“She ran well in the Kingston Town (1800m) and should be up to this company.”
Earlier in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m), Peters’ ‘cerise and white’ colours will be represented by Regal Power and last-start winners True Defender, True Attraction, Final Hearing
In a guide for punters Pike has opted to ride Regal Power. The Pierro gelding has one win from his three starts.
“I think if he didn’t believe in the horse he may have ridden one with better form,” Peters said.
“In the long run I think True Defender will be the best one.
“But he hasn’t had a race for a while and it might tell on him.
“True Attraction has surprised me and gone better than I thought he would.”
Peters’ believes Mississippi Delta can stamp her claims for feature races in the Devwest Handicap (2200m).
The High Chaparral mare is on the quick back-up and faces a distance rise after powering home to win over 1600m last week.
“I don’t like the idea of racing her seven days apart,” Peters said.
“She has a couple of things against her, but if she wins this race she may have potential down the track.”
Peters says Royal Star, without a win in close to a year, was on his last chance in the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m), but is confident Stageman will be the horse to beat in the Express Interior Design Handicap (1100m).
Julio Santarelli