Trainer Clinton McDonald is preparing Star Patrol for a return in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on October 12.
The six-year-old, a dual Group 2 winner, hasn’t raced since finishing last in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) last November. Plans for an overseas campaign were scrapped when McDonald wasn’t completely satisfied with the gelding’s condition.
“He trialled terrific,” McDonald told Racing.com.
“It’s probably the soundest I’ve ever had this horse, and he’s in great shape. He’s still my favourite; he’s the horse that virtually started this roll for us.”
Looking ahead to the spring, McDonald sees several opportunities for Star Patrol.
“I think he’ll be in for a really nice Spring Carnival. We’ve got a couple of races picked out, with two options – the Schillaci and then the Champions Sprint being the main plan,” he said.
“I am keen to get him to 1400 metres at some stage. I’ve always thought he’d be a really nice seven-furlong horse, up on speed controlling the race.
“Hopefully, that can happen during the spring.”
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