A change of gear for the wayward The Monstar has helped him gain a clearance to run in the Group 2 $200,000 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

The Monstar, above, has several gear changes heading into the Missile Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Daniel Costello.

The Monstar, above, has several gear changes heading into the Missile Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Trainer Brett Cavanough admits that The Monstar has a few tricks up his sleeve but is hoping the addition of a one-eyed blinker as well as a tongue tie and a Norton bit going back on will solve the problem of the seven year old gelding hanging out in his races.

Racing New South Wales stewards had to send The Monstar back to barrier trials before being given the all clear to run again after he hung out badly in the early and middle stages last start when a head second to Calanda in the Listed $160,000 Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton on July 12.

Cavanough took The Monstar to Tamworth where he won a 1000m barrier trial on July 30 and was cleared to take his place in the Missile Stakes.

“He’s always been a bit wayward and he jumped sideways in the Ramornie and had to trial which he did at Tamworth on Sunday,” Cavanough told AAP.

“I’ve tricked him over the years with gear changes and on Saturday he will wear a one-eyed blinker and we’ll see how he goes.

“About the only thing he does right is that he is a fantastic eater.

“He is a very tough horse but quite silly.”

The Randwick track on Thursday was rated a soft 6 which will suit The Monstar perfectly after he won the Listed $125,000 Razor Sharp over the same course and distance as the Missile Stakes on a soft track in December last year.

“A soft track is ideal for him,” Cavanough said.

“He doesn’t need it to be really wet, he just doesn’t like it too hard.”

The Monstar was also a Randwick winner three starts back on a heavy 10 over 1100m in the Listed $150,000 June Stakes on June 10 before running second to Gold Symphony in the Listed $150,000 Civic Stakes (1350m) at Rosehill on July 1.

In early betting for the Missile Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au, The Monstar is marked at $9.50 while Kris Lees’ multiple Group 1 winner Le Romain heads the market order at $2.20.

The Peter and Paul Snowden trained Group 1 winning mare Tycoon Tara is well in contention at $5 just ahead of noted wet tracker Jungle Edge at $6.50 and Invincible Gem at $9.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.