Written by Paul Vettise
The prime autumn target for Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was achieved in style, adding a coveted Group 1 title to his resume with victory in the TAB Australian Cup at Flemington.
Fifty Stars had gone close to top-flight success in the past when runner-up in the G1 Canatala S. behind Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and this time the Lindsay Park-trained representative hit his target.
The 5-year-old is trained by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig and credited the former with his 10th Australian Cup victory when he came from back of midfield with a well-timed finish for rider John Allen to beat Regal Power (Pierro).
“It’s a real thrill to win for (owner) Gerry Ryan and the whole team at Lindsay Park are here. To win the 10th is a fantastic effort by everyone,” David Hayes said. “I’m just thrilled.”
Fifty Stars went into the race after successfully defending his G2 Blamey S. title on the course seven days ago to execute a long-held plan to progress to the next level.
“We had planned for this race for a long time and we set him for it and it payed off. The tactics were spot on and all credit to Johnny Allen, who sat quietly on him and produced him late,” Hayes said.
“The tactics were spot on and all credit to Johnny Allen, who sat quietly on him and produced him late.” - David Hayes
“It’s a race that just comes along at the right time and you have to have a high quality horse and he’s just what he is.”
Johnny Allen had a previous association with Fifty Stars when he was trained in the early stages of his career by Darren Weir.
“I had a bit to do with him as a younger horse and I’m delighted to get back on him,” he said.
“It’s a great result for Gerry Ryan, who has been a great supporter of mine in the last couple of seasons and David Hayes and the team gave me plenty of confidence.”
Johnny Allen celebrates the victory
Fifty Stars has a spot in next Saturday’s $5 million All-Star Mile, but Hayes said they will let the dust settle before deciding.
“We’ll think about it, but we’re not making any rash decisions now.”
“We’ll think about it, but we’re not making any rash decisions now.” – David Hayes
Fifty Stars was purchased at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale by Queensland bloodstock John Foote for 110,000 gns (AU$210,000) and is the second winner for Swizzle Stick (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}).
She is an unraced half-sister to the G2 Doncaster Park S. and G3 Curragh Athasi S. winner Viztoria (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) and the family of the Group 1 winners Zilzal (USA) (Nureyev {USA}), Awe Inspiring (USA) (Slew O’Gold {USA}) and Off Limits (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).
Fifty Stars (Ire) as a yearling
Runner-up Regal Power gave a grand sight and he is a confirmed runner in the All-Star Mile.
“It was a little bit unfortunate the way the race was run and he got flushed out early and hit the front miles too soon,” breeder-owner Bob Peter said. “It was a very good run and hopefully he comes through well and starts in the All-Star Mile if he gets a run in it.”
Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) was outstanding to finish third in his first appearance since winning the G1 Melbourne Cup.
“That was a really good first-up run, it was great to see him come back in such great shape. He’s a better horse than he was in the spring,” trainer Danny O’Brien said. “It was a terrific performance at weight-for-age.”
