Baster chasing Group One win at Flemington

Stephen Baster hopes last-start winner Invincible Star can step up to the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Jockey Stephen Baster is looking to continue his recent run of form on the opening day of the Flemington carnival.

Baster began his sequence of feature winners with Jon Snow in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley in September.

“It’s been a great run, so I can’t complain and hopefully it can continue,” Baster said.

He is looking to one of his October winners progressing to a Group One victory.

Invincible Star scored at Caulfield on October 14 and lines up on Saturday in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly is a $9 chance in a race that has Godolphin colt Viridine the $7 favourite.

The Coolmore Stud Stakes has drawn together a field of 20 three-year-olds with Baster describing the contest as tough.

Incvincible Star has started up the Flemington straight previously, winning on debut over 1000m at last year’s carnival.

“She’ll run well but what a race,” Baster said.

“I was originally thinking she’d be better off around a bend because of her speed but her win down the straight at her first start was sensational so that gives me a lot of hope.”

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The filly has drawn towards the middle in barrier seven which Baster said was ideal.

“It probably works out well for the day,” Baster said.

“We’ll know more on the day where they’re all going to end up.”

Since her win at Caulfield Baster has ridden the filly on the track and partnered her on the course proper at Flemington on Tuesday morning, describing the work as super.

“But it’s a good race and that’s why it’s a Group One,” he said.

Baster is hoping the flatter track at Flemington can change the fortunes of Johnny Vinko in the Victoria Derby.

Wearing the colours of his most recent Group One winner, the 2016 Emirates Stakes winner, Johnny Vinko disappointed Baster with his 11th behind Weather With You in the Geelong Classic.

“His runs before his last run were fantastic,” Baster said.

“We were scratching our heads after that so hopefully back to the big, flat track will suit him.”

Baster also rides Lake Como in the Skip Sprint and Cismontane in the Lexus Stakes.