Murray Bridge trainer Bob Richard is hoping the picket-fence form will remain for Star Hills, who makes his open class debut in Saturday’s $102,500 Christmas Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville.
The former Victorian is another success story from kissing spine surgery – a back issue which plagues many a good horse – and he’s been a revelation in South Australia since joining Richard in October last year.
“His previous trainer was retiring so we were able to get him over from Ballarat,” Richard said.
“I was a bit like his previous trainer. I didn’t know a lot about kissing spine until I bumped into this bloke.”
Despite winning five on end and putting more than $210,000 in the bank, Richard said he had a little way to go before Star Hills would claim the mantle as his favourite horse – but that could change quickly come Saturday.
“He’s still not my favourite yet,” Richard said.
“I bought a horse off Wolf Blass and was able to win over $300,000 in prizemoney. I’ve had a couple of others that go OK, but this bloke will be my favourite if he wins on Saturday.
“I’ve always said anyone can train a good horse – I just happen to train him.”
Despite his brilliant form, Richard was under no illusion the horse needed to take another significant step to win the last SA feature of 2020.
“His got to step up a bit, it’s his first time at this distance,” Richard said.
“But I wouldn’t put him in there if I didn’t think he had a show. I can’t wait.”
And he will again have in-form jockey Jason Holder in the saddle.
“‘Stubby’ won’t get off him,” Richard said.
“I was a bit frightened Leon (Macdonald) might have one in the race and that might have changed a few things, but they get along pretty well.
“Jason hasn’t really had to use the whip on him yet. He’s been able to win hands and heels and he just knows where the line is.”
And Star Hills’ greatest asset might be his nature.
“He’s a true gentleman,” Richard said.
“I’ve never had a horse like this bloke. Every time you put a saddle on he just does what you needs to.
“He’s walking like a proud horse at the moment. I think he’s got Listed level written all over him so I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”