Star to shine

PROMISING pacer Galactic Star will continue his march towards the Grand circuit when he heads to Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night.

Successful at his two starts for New South Wales trainer Craig Cross, Galactic Star also won his last three outings in Western Australia before being sent east.

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.

Thrilled with the five-year-old’s progress, Cross has set his sights firmly on the Victoria Cup, which is scheduled to be conducted at Melton on October 14.

“He has pulled up great from last weekend and is ready for Saturday night,” Cross said. “I worked him this morning and he is feeling fantastic.

“This will be his last start before we head south for the Victoria Cup in a few weeks.”

Despite his confidence in Galactic Star, Cross is weary of the pending assignment, with the son of Bettors Delight drawing barrier 12.

He slots into 10 with the removal of the emergencies.

“The draw makes life extremely hard,” Cross said. “He will have to do it tough again from the wide draw.

“They will all be trying to keep him out, but from there the best option is probably to go forward.

“He’s a real lovely horse…just a solid, adaptable racehorse which helps his cause from such bad draws.”