Theresa Bateup landed her seventh win of 2026 at Queanbeyan on Tuesday as London Star prevailed in the 1460m Class One Handicap.
Amy McLucas was in the saddle, giving the 5YO Star Turn mare a beautiful run in transit from gate one before finding the inside running on the home straight and powering to victory.
Starting a well-supported $5.50 chance in the event, it was London Star’s second career win, and the stable’s third win in February.
The stable will now focus on two big races in the coming days.
At Canberra on Friday, recent Sapphire Coast winner, Sablonneuse, will contest the $40,000 Canberra Guineas Preview (1400m).
The 3YO Sandbar gelding was impressive on January 31, powering to a convincing victory in the 1200m Maiden Handicap.
It is a big step up in class at Canberra, but Brock Ryan remains in the saddle, and Sablonneuse will only have to carry 55kg.
The following day, Tartana takes on the $120,000 Midway Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.
The 6YO Invader mare has been racing in great form without winning this preparation, including a last-start fourth placing in a 1600m Midway Handicap at Royal Randwick on February 7.
Brock Ryan is again in the saddle, and Tartana will carry next to no weight with 53.5kg.
Bateup and the team will then head to Nowra on Sunday, where Lady Yarrow (gate 3) has been entered in the 1400m Benchmark 66 Handicap, and Yes Arnie (gate 12) and Rubilace (gate 15) are set to race in the 1200m Super Maiden Handicap.
Words/Image: Jeff Hanson