Paul Shailer landed the biggest win of his training career when Isti Star dominated the field in the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday night.
The Better Than Ready filly delivered a brilliant front-running performance on Shailer’s new home track, giving her trainer a particularly meaningful victory shared with loyal owners Brian and Helen Hooper.
“I want to make special mention of Brian Hooper and Helen Hooper who are in this filly,” Shailer said. “Brian isn’t in the best of health but he is here tonight with Helen and they have been great supporters of mine.”
Isti Star was retained by Yarramalong Park after being passed in at the 2023 Magic Millions Coast Yearling Sale, failing to meet her $140,000 reserve. She is out of Redoute’s Choice mare Istiraaha, a half-sister to Group 1 winner Rewaaya.
After finishing second-last in the $250,000 Magic Millions Debut in December, Isti Star was spelled and returned with a strong fourth in the Listed Calaway Gal (1200m) before securing her Classic berth with a 5.5-length romp at Ipswich.
Under the guidance of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michael Rodd, Isti Star ($7.50) cruised into contention and kicked clear to defeat Prince Tycoon ($2.70) by a length, with outsider Secret Sort ($41) finishing third.
“She was identified early as having immense talent and we had high hopes for her Magic Millions campaign, but she went shin-sore and had some allergy issues, so we had to be patient,” Shailer explained.
“She was outstanding at Ipswich, and tonight she showed again that she’s a real filly of quality. She’s only going to improve and we think she’ll get out over further in time.”