Peters Investments homebred Treasured Star has notched her second black-type victory but a first for trainer Adam Durrant in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) at Ascot.
Saturday’s win (Photo / Western Racepix) made amends for a first-up loss as a short-priced favourite in the Drummond Golf Hcp (1400m) on October 8. She had transferred to Durrant after winning last season’s G2 WA Guineas for Grant and Alana Williams.
“Sometimes 3yo fillies don’t come back as mares,” owner-breeder Bob Peters said. “I was a bit worried after that first-up effort but she was very strong today. She won’t run again before the Railway.”
The $1.5million G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) is scheduled for November 19.
Perfectly handled from a good gate by Clint Johnston-Porter, Treasured Star sat in the box-seat and held off late challenges from longshot Startrade (Trade Fair) and the favourite Trix Of The Trade (Trade Fair).
Treasured Star (4m Toronado – Treasured Gift by Big Brown) is from a half-sister to Battle Hero (Stratum) who won a G3 Roma Cup (1200m) and G3 Northam Sprint (1100m) in the cerise and white silks.
Treasured Gift’s final foal is a 3yo Pierro filly with Durrant named Best Present.
Treasured Star is the fourth Asian Beau winner for Peters Investments in the last five years following Western Empire (Iffraaj), Inspirational Girl (Reliable Man) and Galaxy Star (Redoute’s Choice).
All three went on to double up in the Railway Stakes and Treasured Star is currently quoted at $10 for this year’s Big Mile.
