Star Of Monsoon out to break maiden

Star Of Monsoon’s pedigree reads like a who’s who of Australian racing but so far the colt has failed to add his name to the winner’s list.

His trainer Gerald Ryan admits it is frustrating Star Of Monsoon has not yet won a race and he is hoping Wednesday’s Maiden Handicap (1200m) for three-year-olds at Warwick Farm will be the one.

By champion Lonhro, Star Of Monsoon is out of Monsoon Wedding , a daughter of grand producer Shantha’s Choice whose progeny include Redoute’s Choice, Platinum Scissors and Manhattan Rain.

He is raced by his breeder, Sri Lankan businessman Muzaffar Yaseen who started the dynasty.

“He has run some good races and it is frustrating more than disappointing that he hasn’t won yet,” Ryan said.

“It’s even more frustrating because he works so well you wonder why he hasn’t won.

“He might be one of those horses that once he wins one, he can go on and win two or three.”

Ryan has described Star Of Monsoon as the country’s best maiden, an assertion fortified by his eight minor placings from 12 starts.

Included in those placings are a third to subsequent Todman Stakes winner Kiss And Make Up at his second start.

This season his performances include a second to Spright in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes in October before the Garry White-trained filly went on to win a Group Three race at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.

In late October he posted another second, this time to Eckstein, winner of Saturday’s Group Three Glenlogan Park Stakes at Eagle Farm.

At his most recent start, Star Of Monsoon ran second to Cymbalism at the Scone carnival earlier this month.

The colt was the TAB’s second favourite on Tuesday behind the James Cummings-trained Launch Code at $2.10.

Star of Monsoon will be ridden by Blake Shinn who leaves on Sunday for an off-season stint in the United States with trainer Wesley Ward.