Wentworth Park bookmaker Mark Merlino has seen most of the modern era’s greats and does not get carried away but he believes Friday night’s last-to-first 520m fifth grade winner Space Star could be our next top notch stayer.
Trained by Dawn Garrett on the NSW Central Coast, Space Star turned heads at his debut in March, when he broke the 618m track record. He has now won four races from seven career starts, including his last two at Maitland and Wentworth Park.
“Space Star is an absolute aeroplane, he is one of the most exciting prospects I’ve seen in years," Merlino said on Friday.
“Hopefully he doesn’t stay in 520m races for too long because I’m convinced he will be a long distance sensation.
“When he won over 565m at Maitland at his final start before tonight’s race Space Star gave Asha Tanga, who is extremely strong, eight lengths start in the middle stages and beat her by five lengths."
