Bennett Racing 5yo Dayan Star was rewarded for his consistency with a good win at Hobart on Sunday. The son of Zoustar had been sent down to Tasmania by trainer Lindsey Smith and after a couple of luckless 3rd placings the addition of Craig Newitt, who is clearly the strongest and best rider in Tassie by far, took the reins and delivered a perfectly timed run to win.
Dayan Star moved out to 1450m and up slightly in class to a Class 2. After an encouraging fresh run – and 2 key factors – he was heavily backed from $3 into $1.80 fav in this race which was bereft of many chances. The gelding jumped a little slowly and consequently was shuffled back in the field to 3rd last. As the field strung out Dayan Star found himself the best part of 15 lens of the lead as they were going quick in front. Coming to the 600m, Newitt set the boy alight and he swiftly tracked up wide around the field. As the swept around the turn he was widest but coming quickly hitting the front 200 out and holding a 3/4 Len advantage all the way to the line to win by ¾ len.
What enhanced this win was how far Dayan Star was back and how he was able to sustain a very long wide run to win comfortably.
As a lightly raced 5yo, the win Dayan Star took his overall record to 17 starts -2 wins :4 x 2nds :3 x 3rds and prizemoney: $86,305.
A 135k purchase from the 2020 MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale from his breeder Yarramalong Park, Kalbar, Qld, Dayan Star is a son of Champion Sire Zoustar from the stakesplaced 2yo Freeze mare Maracoola.
Congratulations to all owners in Dayan Star and thankyou to Lindsey Smith and his Team for producing the gelding ready to win which he did.