I Am A Star becomes first filly in history to win Myer Classic

October 29, 2016 6:59 pm.by Todd Davey

Shane Nichols after I Am a Star (NZ) wins Myer Classic at Flemington Racecourse on October 29, 2016 in Flemington, Australia. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

New Zealand import I Am A Star edged out the big names in the first Group 1 of Victoria Derby Day to win the Myer Classic.

The three-year-old filly held out her much older competitors after hitting the front in the final stages of the race to salute at $10.

The horse became the first filly in history to win the Group 1 Myer Classic.

I Am A Star held out French Emotion ($9.20) and Denmagic ($8.60) to record her fourth win in 2016.

Last start winner and hot fancy First Seal tried to go with the winner at the 400m mark but failed to kick on and finished back in the field.

The win was Victorian Dean Yendell’s second Group 1 win of his career, with the veteran hoop not believing his luck when Steven King could not meet the 49kg weight.

“She had the right run and I was able to get her into a nice comfortably rhythm,” Yendall said.

“There was a bit of pressure from Zac at the 600 on Euro Angel, but she was able to be in the right spot when they straightened and she gave me a nice kick at the 400.

“I thought that with no weight on her back that I would be good enough to hang on, which she was.

“Huge thanks to Shane Nichols for the magnificent opportunity and to Steve King for the job he has done with her.

“Shane contacted me well before this race and told me to keep my mind open because she would have no weight on her back.

“I love the way she settled and I might sound a bit stupid here, but she could make a nice Caulfield Cup mare next season.”

Not only did I Am A Star grant Yendell his second Group 1 victory, but it was also Nichols’ maiden G1 win of his training career.

“I am trying to take it all in,” Nichols said.

“I thought that she had come off the bridle at the top of the straight, but he just had to give her a bit of a stir up to get back in the flow.

“With 49 kilos they were always going to struggle late to catch her and I am extremely pleased to win my first Group 1 here on Derby Day.

“She is a mature filly, nothing bothers her and she just goes about her work.

“She is like a nine-year-old gelding, but she has a bit of toe.”