Veteran trainer Geoff Webster is growing in confidence the twilight of his career can deliver his biggest win.
Webster’s untapped three-year-old Seathestars, owned by his long-time friend and Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer John Hawkes, has stormed right into $2.1mil TAB Eureka contention from a perfect gate one draw.
“I’m very happy with that,” Webster said. “I heard someone say that (gate) one wasn’t ideal. Not sure why, I think it’s perfect.
“We’ve got all the options from there because he’s got the (early) speed to use the draw.
“He’s as quick out as anything outside him. Nothing will cross. I think we’ll hold-up (in front) fairly easily and then Will (Rixon, driver) can decide what he does from there.”
Webster, 70, has trained over 1700 winners and 12 at Group level, but admits being “as excited as any race” about Saturday night.
“It’s sort of come out of nowhere with the whole slot element to it,” he said. “After his huge run in the (Queensland) Derby we thought he’d be a good TAB Eureka horse, but then you’ve got to get in somehow.
“We spoke with a few slot owners and thankfully Daniel Cordina decided to take him.
“The timing was good because we then didn’t have to race him to chase a slot, we could do what was best for him.
“He’s had that one race, when he went super, and then a strong trial. He’s right where we want him.”
Webster admits much of the training has been done on the phone and with the help of driver Will Rixon.
“The horse hasn’t been home since he raced in Queensland seven weeks ago,” he said. “He stayed with Ron Sallis for a bit of a freshen-up and then went down to Will (Rixon) and he’s looked after him since.
“I went up for his last race (at Menangle) and gee the horse looked great and raced that way.
“I’ve got no doubt he’s come on again since Queensland. He just seems to keep improving.
“I think he’s one of the main chances in what’s obviously an open race, especially if he ends up on the leader’s back or even three pegs.
“Miki To Success looks like the testing material after his huge win last start, but things have got harder from him from the outside draw (gate 10).”
Webster said sharing the experience with friends, family and the Hawkes clan was the most special part.
“There’s a whole crew going. We’ve got three big tables between us,” he said. “I know Hawkesy has about 14 people on his table.
“That’s what it’s all about. It feels like one of the big races from years back.”
Seathestars firmed from $12 into $10 straight after drawing the pole.
He is one of a record six three-year-olds in the TAB Eureka, who are all trying to become the first of their age to win.
Bay Of Biscay came closest when second as a three-year-old behind Don Hugo last year.
