Star Patrol runs away with impressive Gilgai Stakes victory
Star Patrol (+160) has remained undefeated this preparation after taking out the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington, with Ben Melham giving the race favourite a great ride.
The Clinton McDonald-trained galloper was successful in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) first-up and was heavily backed in what seemed to be a weaker Group 2 contest second-up on Saturday.
The son of Starspangledbanner jumped well from his wide barrier and held the lead with Snapper (+7000) and Jigsaw (+700), who were closer to the inside running rail.
Melham bided his time Star Patrol and he appeared to be losing ground on the quickening leaders, but as soon as he pushed the button, his gelding kicked into overdrive and took the leader with 200m to go.
After kicking clear, the winner started to roll in towards the inside running rail, but there was no worries as he was more than a length clear of the runner-up Triple Missile (+750).
2023 Group 2 Gilgai Stakes Replay – Star Patrol | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Ben Melham
Clinton McDonald was on track for Turnbull Stakes Day and he spoke about the win post-race.
“He used himself well today and he went through his gears,” McDonald said of Star Patrol.
“Once Ben (Melham) got busy on him, he really let down and found the line strong.
“He come through the run really well after the Bobbie Lewis, which was surprising.
“He galloped really well here on Tuesday, and we came here with our tail up thinking he could win here again.”
Ben Melham picked up his third win at his fourth ride on Star Patrol, and he spoke post-race.
“We were just mindful of the nature of his run, and he obviously had a hard run the other day,” Melham said of the tactics on Star Patrol.
“He bounced through the run well enough, he’s a tough bugger.
“He’s not a horse you want to get into a battle with because he is a big creature and very powerful, so we just let him do what he wants.
“It was a good solid performance from the horse, and he is in for a great preparation.”
Star Patrol is a +1400 chance in the Champions Sprint futures market with online bookmakers.