Gallop to decide Black Stardom start
Black Stardom needs to show his trainer he is ready to go back to town before Lisa Enright confirms a start at Flemington.
The gelding is entered for a 2500m handicap on Saturday but Enright will not finalise plans until after he gallops at Mornington on Tuesday.
The former New Zealand stayer won over Saturday’s trip at Cranbourne three starts ago and Enright is again keen to get him back up to that distance.
Black Stardom finished second to Schockemohle over 2040m at Moonee Valley before his last-start eighth behind Longeron over 2000m at Caulfield on July 2.
“We found a few issues with him after his last start so hopefully we’ve ironed them out and we can move on,” Enright said.
“He’s given us the indication that he’s over them but the gallop on Tuesday will confirm it one way or the other.”
Enright classes herself as a hobby trainer with a team of four horses she works in conjunction with her brother Matthew.
She will put Black Stardom through his paces on Tuesday morning before heading off to her day job.
“I’m in a business that window tints houses and cars,” she said.
“The training is a hobby. I’ve taken horses on for friends rather than go and chase them.”
After winning two races in New Zealand, Black Stardom has increased his record to seven since arriving in Australia and is chasing a maiden city success.
Black Stardom is one of 22 nominations for the 2500m-contest on Saturday with the former French galloper Au Revoir the highest rated runner.
Enright is yet to secure a rider for the stayer.
Stephen Baster, who has won two races on Black Stardom, has taken a short-term contract in Mauritius.
“We’ll see how he works on Tuesday, but if we run I think we’ll offer the ride to Michael Dee,” Enright said.
Dee trails Dylan Dunn by three in the Melbourne apprentices’ title race with four meetings remaining.