By MIKE DILLON
When Star Satire climbed off the float at Tauranga yesterday Ross Taylor knew he was probably on his way to Australia.
Taylor declared how Star Satire came through her outstanding win in Wednesday's $100,000 Auto Auctions at Trentham would dictate a Sydney autumn campaign.
"For what she's been through you couldn't be more delighted with how she is," said Taylor when Star Satire returned from Trentham mid-afternoon.
The dashing filly's win will go down as one of the best group one victories of the season.
She had to work early to get across from a wide barrier and rider Mark Du Plessis had to move earlier on the filly than he desired when Star of Gold gave in outside the leader before the home turn.
Star Satire's competitive nature had her quickly in front in the home straight once she saw daylight.
Taylor admits it was a long way down the home straight to the winning post.
"I know it takes only 30 seconds to come down the straight - it seemed like three minutes."
The remarkable feature of the race was the way Star Satire, after doing so much work, hit a higher gear when Du Plessis asked her to do her best at the 300m.
"She actually sprinted three times in the race," said Taylor. "Not many can do that at any level, let alone at group one."
Star Satire is now a real chance to be in the Surround Stakes in Sydney on March 12, the possibility of taking on the next tier down having been eliminated by Wednesday's win.
"Until she won that she was going to get into the group two and three races in Sydney on a 53kg minimum, but those races carry a 4.5kg penalty for a group one winner.
"Mind you, I'm not complaining."
After the Surround the next likely target will be either the Phar Lap Stakes or the Coolmore Classic the same day.
Du Plessis rode five winners at Avondale yesterday and goes to Singapore in two weeks.
Racing: Auto Auctions winner looks Surround starter
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