James Tate provided an update on GSW Under The Stars (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}), who will take her chances at a mile in her stride when she gets her chance in the G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas. The Newmarket handler reports Under The Stars to be in top form and to have strengthened up over the winter. With her sire–2014 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder–and dam Jumeirah Palm Star (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) both victorious over a mile, Tate believes the Saeed Manana-owned filly is well equipped to see out the new trip.
He said, “Under The Stars is waiting for the 1000 Guineas, whenever that is going to be. The filly has strengthened during the winter and is in great form. She is jumping around and her coat looks fantastic. I think she will run well in the Guineas, as she has that great cruising speed and travels well and therefore the mile should be no problem.”
Having claimed Group 3 glory in the Princess Margaret S. at Ascot on her second start, Under The Stars followed up with creditable runs in defeat at Group 1 and 2 level before ending last season on a winning note in a sales race at Newmarket.
Tate added, “She did well to win the Princess Margaret on her second start and acquitted herself well in defeat in the Moyglare and Rockfel. Right now her optimum trip would be seven furlongs, but I would be very surprised if she didn't get a mile–the drop back to six on her last start would have been sharp enough.
“It was a case of where to go and it was a good opportunity to win £80,000 and in her typical fashion she only just won–she doesn't do much in front.”
MGSP Dream Shot (Ire) (Dream Ahead) acquitted himself well at Pattern-race level on more than one occasion last year without winning, ending his season with a run in the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita. Tate hopes he still has more to offer.
He said, “He has been great considering he was a cheap as chips purchase. He is listed, Group 3 and Group 2-placed and ran well at the Breeders' Cup on his last start. He seems to have improved physically, and hopefully he will be a fun sprinter.”
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