Steady advancement has defined every campaign for Hearcomesthestar, with trainer John Moloney eyeing extra potential as she heads to Flemington.
Boasting six wins and eight placings in 28 races, Hearcomesthestar has struggled to excel at Stakes level.
A Listed third at Geelong this year stands out, and Moloney targets Black Type for Hearcomesthestar in Saturday’s Listed Straight Six (1200m).
Songs Of Vienna delivered the Straight Six for Moloney in 2005, mirroring aspects of Hearcomesthestar as a mare.
“I won this race with Songs Of Vienna and she was there at the right time,” Moloney said.
“So, it’s probably not a bad race to go after with this mare, especially as The Goodwood was run last week in Adelaide where all the good sprinters went around.
“It’s a chance race for a horse like her to get some Black Type.”
Her May 2023 Sandown debut win kicked off annual Stakes challenges for Hearcomesthestar, with midfield finishes common.
As Hearcomesthestar gains power and experience, Moloney detects ongoing refinement.
This mirrors mares Moloney knows like Bella Nipotina, Black Caviar, Pride Of Jenni, and Via Sistina, peaking later.
“She has steadily got better from prep to prep to where she is now,” Moloney said.
“A little bit stronger, a little bit better, not by big margins but just each time she has come back into training there has been improvement, so to take on some Black Type racing, as we are on Saturday, it’s worthwhile.
“I’m not saying we’re Bella Nipotina or Via Sistina, or mares like that, but they seemed to get better with age.
“They trained on, so it’s amazing, that if they are looked after, they can keep producing pretty good runs.
“Here’s hoping she can keep finding that little bit extra for these types of races.”
Hearcomesthestar’s late charge from last to third at Bendigo behind Stoli Bolli pleased Moloney.
“It was fantastic,” Moloney said.
“The way she got home from the back, to make up that ground with 59 (kilos) on her back.
“We’re meeting the winner again, Stoli Bolli, and I would like to think that wherever it finishes, we won’t be far away again with reasonable luck.”
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