Horse Profile: Starlust

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Scouting Report

(Editor's note: Originally published in the 2024 BRISnet Breeders' Cup International Report)

As a close third to Big Evs in last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint at odds of 24-1, Starlust is proven in stateside conditions. The same caveat about three-year-olds taking on elders applies, but Starlust might be on more of an upwardly mobile path for in-form trainer Ralph Beckett. And he’s at an exorbitant 30-1 on the morning line.

By the prolific Zoustar and out of the Group 3-winning Invincible Spirit mare Beyond Desire, Starlust has spent most of his career at six furlongs. His signature win as a juvenile came in the Sirenia (G3) over Kempton’s Polytrack, and he also placed twice at that distance during this year’s Dubai Carnival (including to Star of Mystery). But after Starlust was unplaced in a pair of six-furlong events at Ascot, the May 1 Pavilion (G3) and the June 21 Commonwealth Cup (G1), Beckett ultimately opted to stick to five. 

Indeed, his dam, Beyond Desire, found her niche as a five-furlong specialist. And Starlust’s Breeders’ Cup performance – his first try at the trip – suggested that could be his future too. His next two attempts resulted in victories over elders at York, in a May 25 handicap and the City Walls S. over Rogue Lightning. 

Starlust finally got a rematch with Big Evs in the King George (G2) at Glorious Goodwood, but he finished about 3 1/4 lengths back in sixth. He might not have been in love with the track as he raced near the back, and his barging match with Believing didn’t help.

Back at York for the Nunthorpe (G1), Starlust turned in his best piece of form so far when third to Bradsell and Believing. He chased the pace and kept on resolutely to lose by all of a length. Last time out in the Prix de l’Abbaye (G1) on Arc Day, Starlust appeared to making stealthy progress on the inside when he got clobbered, shoved into the rail, and lost all chance in ninth. 

If Starlust gets a better trip around Del Mar, he could sneak into the frame.