Korilya Stud owner Ellie Giles bred her third LR Boulder Cup (2100m) winner when Starry Heights raced away for a four-length victory over Irish-bred import Iowa (Galileo) on Sunday.
Starry Heights (Photo / Western Racepix) went out a $2.50 favourite after a sound second to Admiration Express (My Admiration) in the Coolgardie Cup (1760m) a fortnight ago and the extra ground gave him every chance to settle for Willie Pike and then circle the field on the home turn.
Giles bred Mt Henry (Jevington) to win the 1998 Boulder Cup and she did it again with Scenic Assault (Scenic) in 2006. They were both unplaced when attempting to double up in the LR Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) but co-trainer Grant Williams believes another furlong isn’t beyond Starry Heights.
“We’ve always thought he would be good over a trip and hopefully when we step him up again there won’t be a problem. As long as he doesn’t get off the bridle because he won’t have that finishing sprint.”
Starry Heights (5g Star Turn – Highly Illustrious by High Chaparral) is by a speed stallion but his dam hails from the staying family of Pentastic (NZ) who won up to Group 2 level in the 2004 Craiglee Stakes (2400m) at Flemington.
“The pace was only even and I thought we might have to do a little more to get over the top of them,” Pike said on Sunday. “I didn’t want to go too early but then again I didn’t want to die wondering. He did it so easily and the extra distance in the Kal Cup shouldn’t be a problem.”
Starry Heights was sold by Ruby Racing & Breeding as agent for Korilya Stud for $35,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions and has returned $360,000 to date from 8 wins in 18 starts.
The Boulder Cup victory completed a long weekend double for Giles following the win of Keep Ita Mystery (War Chant) at Belmont on Saturday. He was a $65,000 buy for Luke Fernie at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions when consigned by Willow Dale Farm as agent for Korilya Stud.
