Solar Star upheld her undefeated record at Ipswich Racecourse and added a valuable Listed win to her record ahead of the broodmare sales with an all-the-way upset in Saturday’s $125,000 Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m).

Trainer Tony Gollan enjoyed a win in the last at Ipswich with Solar Star taking out the 2020 Gai Waterhouse Classic. Photo: Daniel Costello.

Purchased from the last broodmare sales, the nicely-bred daughter of Zoustar has been what her Brisbane-based horseman Tony Gollan referred to as a “revelation” following her eighth win at career start number 25.

The rising five-year-old made it three-from-three at the Ipswich track rounding out her strong Queensland Winter Racing Carnival with a well-deserved Black-Type victory thanks to a brilliant on speed ride from Robbie Fradd.

Fradd wasn’t afraid to take Solar Star straight to the front in the handicap feature knowing the mare would have plenty to give at her pet track and distance carrying only 54kg.

Relishing the drop back in weight as she rose in grade, Solar Star ($11) led from barrier to box and was too good for the beaten favourite Jami Lady ($4.40) who challenged on the straight but couldn’t reach the front runner eventually crossing three-quarters of a length back in second.

Also carrying plenty of weight with 58kg was the Godolphin-raced Multaja ($5) who flashed up late into third but who had given them too big a start off the solid tempo.

“There’s no better way than going out a winner that’s for sure,” Gollan told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“She’s getting back in the broodmare sale this year.

“She’s done a great job. She’s just a really bonny mare and when she can control the tempo like that, she’s hard to beat.

“She’s been a revelation. She’s been a really good mare and she’ll be a good acquisition for someone as a broodmare.

“She’s beautifully bred. She’s a really nice little mare.

“A Listed result for these mares are worth their weight in gold.”

About The Author

Lucy Henderson

Lucy is an experienced horse racing journalist that has been a crucial member of the horseracing.com.au team for the better part of a decade. She has taken great delight in covering champion mares Black Caviar and Winx throughout their careers and always has a soft spot for a winning filly.