I Am A Star thriving ahead of Valley race

The conditions of the Group Two Fillies Classic and the way I Am A Star has come through her Thousand Guineas second has trainer Shane Nichols upbeat about her chances at Moonee Valley.

I Am A Star went close to giving Nichols his first Group One win when she loomed up to Global Glamour in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield last start, only for the Sydney filly to rally strongly and win by a length.

Without the dual Group One winner in Saturday’s 1600m race, Nichols says I Am A Star is suited at level weights given she has a handicap rating at least nine points higher than any other filly in the race.

“It’s a really good race for her,” Nichols said.

“She has really thrived since the Guineas. I was surprised how well she came through that run.

“She’s been faultless most of the preparation, so I’m looking forward to going to the races with her tomorrow.”

Nichols hadn’t initially looked further than the Thousand Guineas.

The Fillies Classic emerged as the next suitable race after the trainer also considered freshening the filly for a sprint race.

He said there wasn’t an ideal sprint option, given the strength of the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes on Saturday week which is set to feature star colts Extreme Choice and Astern among others.

Nichols will wait until after Saturday to decide whether I Am A Star presses on this spring.

“If she did win and run really well we may look to go to another race during the carnival,” he said.

The Group One Myer Classic (1600m) a week later for fillies and mares at Flemington, where she would carry a light weight, is one option.