I Am A Star too strong in Stocks Stakes

I Am A Star will step up to Group One races after her successful defence of the Stocks Stakes.

I Am A Star has gone back-to-back in the Group Two Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley and will now chase wins at a higher level for the remainder of the spring.

The Shane Nichols-trained mare was sent out the $1.65 favourite for Friday night’s 1600m-race for mares and despite a tardy start gave her backers little cause for concern.

Nichols however admitted he was far from calm before the race.

“It’s wonderful to get it over and done with,” he said.

“It’s been a long drawn out day with the night races and when they’re short-priced favourites like that you want the win.

“I was a bit toey tonight. I’m usually pretty calm but I was happy with my horse and I’m glad she’s got the job done.”

Nichols will assess how the mare pulls up but said the Group One Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 13 was the next logical assignment.

The Group One Myer Classic at Flemington on November 3, a race she won in 2016, remains a focus.

“Last year she went to the Toorak off a win here and did feel it,” Nichols said.

“She’s won five Group Twos so we might as well have a crack at as many Group Ones as possible.”