Connections of Gallant Star have made it clear they are fully committed to staying the course with Dubbo trainer Brett Robb after the gelding’s strong performances at feature level.
With Gallant Star carrying a lofty benchmark rating that often forces trips to Sydney for suitable races, Robb raised the possibility of relocating the horse to a metropolitan stable.
That suggestion was swiftly dismissed by the ownership group, which includes former Australian cricketer and broadcaster Kerry O’Keeffe.
“I was talking to the owners yesterday, saying that on his run in the Festival Stakes and the form that has come out of it, there is a really good race in this horse. A black-type race,” Robb said.
“I spoke to the owners about whether we give him to a city trainer to help with the travelling, but the owners were solid, Kerry O’Keeffe and David Ringland.
“They said, ‘No way. He’s your horse and we want you to win the good race with him.’”
Gallant Star will resume his quest on Saturday in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Randwick, lining up fourth-up after three consistent efforts this preparation.
Those runs include a runner-up finish in The Kosciuszko (1200m) in October and a fifth-place result behind subsequent The Ingham winner Yorkshire in the Festival Stakes (1500m).
While Robb would have liked to step the gelding to a mile this weekend, he said the timing of Saturday’s assignment fits well with a potential tilt at the $500,000 The Lakes (1600m) at Wyong in January.
Looking further ahead, Robb has made no secret of his ambition to return to The Kosciuszko (1200m) next year.
“I’d love to win The Kosciuszko. That was always on the bucket list, and I think I’ve got the right horse to do it,” Robb said.
Confidence is high heading into Saturday, buoyed by barrier five and the gelding’s condition.
“I galloped him yesterday (Tuesday) morning myself and I don’t reckon I’ve had the horse as good,” he said.
“This whole prep, he’s been good, but he’s spot-on at the moment.
“I was hoping for a good barrier, and we’ve got it. He can definitely run a race.”
Zac Lloyd, fresh from a Randwick treble last weekend including victory in The Ingham (1600m) aboard Yorkshire, will partner Gallant Star.
Those looking to bet on Gallant Star can compare bookmakers at Australia’s betting sites list.