Takara’s a star in making

Mare chasing hat-trick

Talented mare Takara Star has met every challenge trainer Kristen Buchanan has put in front of her in recent weeks so the time was right to test her at Wyong on Thursday.

The classy daughter of Stratum will chase a winning hattrick on home turf after highlighting her potential with a pair of strong wins in country grade.

Takara Star broke her maiden at Muswellbrook two starts ago before backing it up with a determined frontrunning success in a Benchmark 58 at the same venue.

Buchanan will now raise the bar again as Takara Star takes on a Benchmark 65 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1350m on her local circuit.

“We couldn't ask any more from her in her last two starts,” Buchanan said.

“I am looking forward to stepping her into provincial company and I think the 1350m will be a lovely trip for her.

“She puts herself in a nice position and it's a nice track for that. Hopefully the weather holds out because I haven’t tried her on too soft conditions yet and I don’t think I want to.

“I am expecting her to perform very well on Thursday.”

Brad Rawiller, who is back in NSW after riding in last Saturday‘s $4m Quokka at Ascot, will pilot Takara Star for the first time under race conditions with the pair provided an ideal draw in barrier one.

Takara Star is on the third line of betting at $6.50 with TAB to continue her winning run with The Halo ($4.80) and Resistible ($5) fighting out favouritism.

Meanwhile, Buchanan will kick off her day on home turf with Single Shot in the Pavilion Events Central Coast Maiden Handicap (1600m).

The Not A Single Doubt gelding is raced by leviathan owner Gerry Harvey and started his career with Edward O‘Rourke but joined Buchanan before having his first race start.

Single Shot has missed the placings in his first two starts but steps up to the mile for the first time.

“He is a lovely horse,” Buchanan said.

“I am still trying to figure him out a little bit.

“He was a touch disappointing last start but I think the step up in trip is what he is looking for but we will see what he can do.

“He gives me every indication that he will get over further than the mile going forward but it’s only his third start.”

Keagan Latham pilots Single Shot, which is rated a $15 chance to notch up his first win.

Stablemate Foxtrot Babe ($19) is also double figures with the bookies as she prepares to begin her career in the De Bortoli Fillies And Mares Maiden Handicap (1200m).

The daughter of Group 1 William Reid Stakes winner Foxwedge has been given plenty of practice with three trials this preparation ahead of her debut.

“I think she is a nice filly and a run or two will really bring her into focus,” Buchanan said.