Sprinter's effort rewarded

Gutsy local sprinter Jolanta Star proved just how dangerous he can be at the start of his yearly campaigns after blitzing the field in the Primaries Livestock Handicap (1100m) at the Mt Barker Turf Club last Sunday.

The Max Hockey-trained eight-year-old resumed with a convincing one-and-a-half-length victory over Silver Business and 2010 Perth Cup winner Guest Wing, to improve his first-up record to three wins from eight starts.

Hockey believes the 1100m and small compact field suited his 52-career start veteran and said though he had no immediate plans for the 2010 Fitzpatrick Plate winner, he would remain on the local racing scene.

“Being a small field it really suited him, as did the distance,” he said.

“I will keep him in the sprints and small fields if I can.”

The gelding by Mapperley’s Star recorded his third win since the Fitzpatrick Plate success and second on the trot after ending last seasons campaign with an all the way win over Silver Business on May 18.

Despite the breakthrough, Hockey was wary of over-racing the gelding but praised the work jockey Edward Creighton had done with his speedy grey.

“It is nice reward for effort, he always goes well fresh and has been working very hard (this preparation),” he said.

“We have just got to spread his runs out, hopefully keep him fresh.”

Short-priced race favourite Miss Legacy compounded badly after the turn, to finish last for leading local trainer Steve Wolfe while his veteran galloper Wolfe Dreams finished fourth after being backed in second elect on course.

Wolfe did secure a winning double at the Mt Barker Turf Club’s season opener after consistent five-year-old grey Stone Boy held off stable mate Nigel’s Gold by a nose in the Likely Lads Handicap (1200m). Jockey Shaun McGruddy then steered handy filly Tee Pee Cat to victory in the Zambonetti Transport Maiden (1300m).