Sparkling Winner for Star Witness

Dual Group I winner Star Witness posted a super impressive winner at Canterbury on Australia Day when two year-old filly Serenade bolted away to win by a widening five lengths.

An eye-catching barrier trial winner on December 15, the Mike Moroney trained filly disappointed when slowly away and finishing out of the money on debut at Gosford before Christmas, but fitted with blinkers for this assignment she was a different filly.

Serenade led throughout from gate three for Brenton Avdulla and was never challenged when coasting clear to win the 1200 metre maiden as she pleased.

A $26,000 Inglis Classic Summer Book purchase from the Widden Stud draft for Paul Moroney Bloodstock, Serenade runs in the colours of prominent Melbourne owner Rupert Legh and will no doubt head towards the $250,000 Inglis Classic on February 7 at Rosehill.

Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Serenade is a half-sister to spring stakes-winner Stratum Star and is the second foal of placed Pins mare Purely Spectacular, a sister to stakes-winner Raid from the family of champion mare Emancipation.

The current yearling from Purely Spectacular is a full sister to Serenade and will be offered by Rosemont Stud at the 2015 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale as Lot 454.

Purely Spectacular has another filly by Star Witness to follow and was covered last spring by Stratum.

Serenade is the second winner for Champion Two and Thee Year Old Colt Star Witness, who has 27 entries for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in Sydney next month.