The Danny O'Brien-trained Star Witness maintained his unbeaten record when he came with a barnstorming finish to claim the Group One $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.Patiently ridden by Nick Hall, Star Witness jumped from barrier 14 in the 15-horse field and settled worse than midfield as Crystal Lily set a solid tempo in front.The David Hayes-trained Shaaheq dashed to the lead on turning for home but Hall brought Star Witness down the outside with a perfectly-timed run to
The Danny O'Brien-trained Star Witness maintained his unbeaten record when he came with a barnstorming finish to claim the Group One $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Patiently ridden by Nick Hall, Star Witness jumped from barrier 14 in the 15-horse field and settled worse than midfield as Crystal Lily set a solid tempo in front.
The David Hayes-trained Shaaheq dashed to the lead on turning for home but Hall brought Star Witness down the outside with a perfectly-timed run to grab her and win by a half-neck.
The favourite Beneteau was the same margin away third after running home strongly from eighth mid-race.
O'Brien said Star Witness was not entered for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on April 3 but was confident the Starcraft colt had a big future.
"Very exciting," he said, "not much went right, he wobbled on the corner.
"Hopefully we've got a really exciting horse to go on with.
"I really think he's a colt with a huge future."
Hall was also lavish in his praise of the winner who won on debut at Moonee Valley in November before resuming with a strong win in the Listed Talindert Stakes at Flemington on January 30.
"Next time in he'll be a super horse," he said.