Flying Florida Stars in San Domenico
- Saturday, 10 August 2002 00:00
Brilliant Queensland youngster Star of Florida made today's San Domenico Stakes a one act affair, by winning the Group Two feature in little more than a canter.
The Pat Duff trained son of Telesto burst to the front early and then hardly got into second gear as he cruised to a one and a quarter length win.
Melbourne based jockey Patrick Payne barely raised a sweat as the speed sensation burst away from his rivals and then held out a vain challenge from the country galloper Chocolate Starfish.
An expected match race with fellow Queenslander and Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal didn't eventuate. The daughter of Clang put in a shocker, finishing second last in the field of eight.
While Star of Florida ($2.10 fav) gave favourite punters plenty to cheer about, fans of quinellas and trifectas were rocked when the placings were filled by Chocolate Starfish ($101) and Athelnoth ($81).
Star of Florida made a huge impression when he easily won a trial on March 5, but connections were alarmed when it was noticed the horse had bled and he suffered a mandatory three month ban.
Should the brilliant proposition bleed again he would be banned from racing in Australia, but his career certainly wouldn't be over. As his name suggests, the three-year-old is owned in Florida in the United States. Bleeders are permitted to race there upon receiving appropriate medication.
