Trainer Robert Heathcote is excited for the future of his homebred Star Turn filly Startantes who turned over her last start conqueror, Military Gambler over 1200m at Doomben on Saturday.
It looked bleak for supporters of Startantes when she stood up the leaders five lengths at the 200 metres. When Talor Marshall brought the daughter of Star Turn to the centre of the track, she came with a barnstorming finish to defeat Military Gambler (Rommel) by a short-neck with Ahooshu (Better Than Ready) a length and a quarter back in third.
It was the fourth start for Startantes who was second at Ipswich when on debut on February 24. After breaking her maiden with a two length success at Eagle Farm, Startantes was three-quarters of a length behind Military Gambler when third at Doomben on March 27.
“That was her fourth run, and I was a bit apprehensive about having four runs on the trot, and a couple of those have been tough little runs, particularly the last one,” Heathcote said.
“But that’s the formline the punters rally too. There was not much between Military Gambler and Startantes last start and it came down to luck in the run.
“Give Taylor credit; he didn’t panic, got out at the right time and timed the finish to perfection. It may not have been a convincing win, but she was strong late and hitting the line.
“She will go to the paddock now.
“Funtente’s (the dam) was a Group winning sprinter, an 1100m and 1200m sought of horse, but Startantes my get further.
“What a wonderful family this has been. I race this horse with my wife and some really dear friends, so it is good stuff.”
Startantes is the second winner from as many foals out of Heathcote’s star mare Funtantes.
A daughter of Easy Rocking, Funtantes won 10 and placed in 13 of her 50 starts while banking $704,550. Among her wins was the Group II BTC Champagne Classic, Listed Nudgee Handicap and Listed Juanmo Stakes.
Funtantes dam Cantantes was a winner for Heathcote in his first season as a trainer, and the daughter of Just Awesome has supplied Heathcote with many winners. Besides Funtantes, they included the wonderful money-spinner Excellantes, who won 12 and placed in 16 of his 54 starts with prizemoney of $797,550. The son of Falvelon earned five Listed stakes wins in Brisbane.
Funtantes has a yearling filly by Russian Revolution and a colt foal by Spirit Of Boom. She was covered by Rothesay last spring.
