Pakenham trainer Phillip Stokes looks set to have an impact at this year’s Spring Racing Carnival, with a strong team of gallopers to represent his stable, headlined by Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar).
The Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes heroine is due to kick off her spring campaign on September 27 in the G1 Manikato Stakes, while her trainer is also pondering a trip to Sydney for her after that event at The Valley.
“We might even be a bit ambitious and look for an Everest slot,” Stokes said.
A rising five-year-old mare, Climbing Star hasn’t raced since her third placed effort in the G1 Goodwood. Stokes believes that the daughter of Zoustar has the credentials to warrant a place in The Everest.
“I think her form stands up and I think she’s come back better again,” he said.
Climbing Star is at $71 in Sportsbet’s market for The Everest.
