In’kantosstar continues winning rise at Caulfield

Progressive New Zealand-bred gelding In’kantosstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) continued to step out of his famous brother’s shadow with a smart victory in the Beverly Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The four-year-old full brother to four-time Group One winner Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) made it four wins from five starts for trainer Ciaron Maher, with jockey Ethan Brown guiding him to a one-length success over Foujita San (Maurice). Just Desserts (Justify) finished a further three-quarters of a length away in third.

The victory lifted In’kantosstar’s earnings to A$156,750, with his performance suggesting there is more to come as he gains experience.

Brown rolled forward from the inside barrier before settling in second when Just Desserts swept around to take up the running. That gave In’kantosstar a horse to follow, and he finished the race strongly, pricking his ears at the post despite having briefly floated in the straight.

Maher said the plan had been to make use of his gelding’s favourable draw.

“I was keen to take luck out of it. I said to Browny to go forward to the lead and if something wants to work around you then they can,” he said.

“I thought he was going a good enough tempo but it actually worked out perfect when the horse went around him and went in front of him. He is still raw and it gave him something to follow.”

Maher credited his Ballarat team with helping In’kantosstar develop, having found the stable’s Fingal base less suitable during his previous preparation.

“He just thrives up there and every time he goes to the races, he keeps getting better. You could even see going over the line, he still looks like he’s got a bit in the locker,” he said.

“He’s an exciting horse and the owners have been patient. If he’s half as good as Jimmy, he’ll be alright. He’s certainly tracking the right way.”

A spell is now under consideration, with Maher keen to give the gelding time to strengthen further.

“This was a final and I was happy enough to put him away. He’s very progressive and he’s done a great job,” he said.

“I’d be happy to give him a break and let him furnish. The future is bright for him.”

Brown felt the race had unfolded favourably for the $4 chance, whose position near the speed proved valuable on the Good 4 surface.

“The race worked out well. He mapped well on paper and put himself up on speed. With the firm deck, we were able to control the race which made it hard to make ground,” he said.

“He still floated at the furlong and he’s got plenty of upside.”

While comparisons with Jimmysstar are inevitable, Brown said the brothers were different characters.

“Similar in ability only. He’s got a little bit of an attitude. He’s got a mind of his own,” he said.

“He’s a completely different type of horse to Jimmy.

“He just won over 1700m and he’s going to get out further. He’s going to be a lovely horse come autumn time.”

Like Jimmysstar, In’kantosstar was bred by Wairarapa couple Pete and Chrissy Algie in partnership with Little Avondale Stud. The Algies and stud proprietors Sam and Catriona Williams have retained an ownership interest, with In’kantosstar also carrying the colours of Ozzie Kheir.

A son of outstanding stallion Per Incanto, In’kantosstar is out of the Zed mare Anniesstar (NZ), a five-time winner whose victories included the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m).

Anniesstar has produced four named foals, all winners, headed by Jimmysstar and Group Three winner Charms Star (NZ) (Per Incanto).