by Chris Barsby
In-form mare Starzzz Of Icon has earned herself a trip south.
Connections of the speedy mare are heading to TABCORP Park, Menangle this Saturday night following back to back victories at Albion Park in recent weeks.
Prepared by Melissa Gillies and her husband Keith, Starzzz Of Icon will take her place in the American Night June 3 Ladyship Pace over the 1609m where she will start from gate 7.
Leading reinsman David Morris take the drive replacing regular driver Trent Dawson, Melissa’s brother.
But he feels confident the mare can maintain her excellent form.
“After going back to back I think she has proven that she is capable of matching it down there, her biggest asset is her gate speed so that should hold her in good shape.” Dawson said.
Since being purchased from Victoria, Starzzz Of Icon has proven to be a great money-spinner with the promise of plenty more to come.
Boasting 5 victories from 14 starts at Albion Park, the Four Starzzz Shark has now broken through the $100,000 barrier in career earnings.
“She’s a beautiful mare to drive and that gate speed is a weapon, both Melissa and Keith have done an excellent job with the mare and she’s still on the way up although it’s getting a little harder now.
“She profiles well for Menangle because of her gate speed, they took Beaver down there for his ‘MO’ and his racing pattern is the complete opposite of this mare so I’m expecting this mare to perform well. In the end, Beaver won at Menangle so that’s a positive reminder that this mare can do the same with luck.
“Last week, we really had to burn off the gate before handing over and she finished off really via the sprintlane, I thought there was plenty of merit in that performance. After scanning the field this weekend, there are a number of horses with good form but hopefully she can get a piece of it.”
Work commitments have restricted Dawson heading south to partner the mare again this weekend.
The mare is scheduled to leave today (Thursday).
Starzzz Of Icon is raced by Melissa & Keith Gillies, Jack Carmichael, Jason & Ivan Neuendorff, Renee Tomac, Chris Bassingthwaighthe plus Scott & Tyler Davis.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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