Staroftheshow out to prove Vincents can go at Melton

The emerging stud career of four-time Group 1 winner Vincent unearths another chapter when the Nathan Purdon trained debutant Staroftheshow steps out in the Hygain 2YO Pace at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday night.

Purdon’s father, the legendary Mark, trained and drove Vincent throughout a stellar career that returned 16 wins from only 19 race starts.

Now an Alabar stallion, Vincent’s leaving his mark with a new generation.

Staroftheshow is unbeaten in two trials at Melton and Purdon said the youngster had something in reserve on both occasions.

“We haven’t reached the bottom of him – he has had a bit up his sleeve,” Purdon said. “He tries really hard and he’s been professional.”

Purdon has two of Vincent’s progeny in his Lara stables and also has an opinion of Our Vinnie, who is yet to trial.

“Our Vinnie could be a bit better at this stage,” he said, adding both two-year-olds have proven a pleasure to train.

“They are well gaited and are willing to do it while being pretty laid back at the same time.”

Among the opposition who should prove hardest to beat tomorrow night are two of the three raced brigade Heathbern Bruce and Mister Hunter.

The Julie Douglas trained Heathbern Bruce led all the way at Bendigo on debut before finishing strongly from back in the field to place at Maryborough in a slick 27.3-second last quarter.

Mister Hunter too led all the way on debut at Ballarat before tackling the highly promising Petracca in the Shakamaker Classic, where he was beaten into third place after facing the breeze in 1:54.1.

Melton’s 11-race Thursday night card includes the Cobbity Lodge Pace, featuring David Aiken’s trio Reactor Now, Malcolms Rhythm and Letsrockletsroll.