Star ready to shine

FORMER Western Australian pacer Galactic Star is capable of making a successful eastern seaboard debut when he heads to Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night.

Boasting six wins and two seconds from his last eight starts, Galactic Star was sent across the Nullarbor to join prominent New South Wales trainer Craig Cross.

The gelding was previously prepared by Greg and Skye Bond, winning 13 of his 19 starts for the couple, with three seconds also to his credit.

Although originally weary of Galactic Star’s demeanour when he first arrived, Cross is confident the five-year-old is ready to produce a favourable performance.

“I had him nominated a couple of weeks ago, but ended up scratching him as I wasn’t quite happy with where he was at,” Cross explained.

“He hadn’t settled in and adjusted to the way we work them as much as I’d like, so I scratched him to give him more time to find his way.

“He just seemed a little lost, so wanted to give more time to adjust to being over here.

“He’s been working well since and trialled well on Tuesday. His effort was better than it looked on paper as it was a good solid hit out with a very quick last half.”

To Cross’ dismay, Galactic Star has drawn the outside of the front line against open company, in what will be his first run in three months.

Galactic Star’s previous outing was in an M2-M4 at Gloucester Park on May 12 – where he also began from the extreme outside.

“The draw has made it very tough, especially against free-for-allers,” Cross said. “Given the system here, he is on a tough mark straight up, so there’s no easy lead in for him to get that grounding.

“On exposed form he should go well, but has to get used to racing from the 800-metre Gloucester Park track to 1400 metres at Menangle.

“It’s not just the quicker tempo, but a different style of racing as well.”

Citing Mach Beauty as the one to beat, Cross is also weary of Blazin N Cullen, which scored at the same venue last weekend.

A noted quick beginner, Mach Beauty has drawn to lead from three, while Blazin N Cullen will begin from gate eight.

Mach Beauty slots into the pole with the removal of the emergencies.

“Mach Beauty has the draw to make him the one they have to catch,” Cross said. “He’s had several start this time in and is bound to be fitter.

“Blazin N Cullen won against easier company last week, but he is a proven campaigner.”

With no major plans in mind for Galactic Star, Cross will be guided by the pacer’s performances before targeted specific races.

“He had great form in the west and hopefully can bring it here,” Cross said. “For now we’ll just hope he can measure up here first.

“Hopefully he will make the grade and even step up to some of the better races later on in the year.”