At only 23 months of age, Super Estrella steps up to 600m for the first time at Dapto on Thursday.
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The daughter of Fernando Bale is bred to handle a middle distance being half sister to Group 1 Zoom Top placegetter Blazing Cartier and Wentworth Gold Cup (720m) aspirant Prim And Proper.
Super Estrella raced just 21 times (eight wins), with all-but two outings being in strong company at Wentworth Park. This middle distance assignment (Race Seven) also represents her first look at the Showgrounds track.
There's no denying her class and genuine promise but, from box four, there is no room for error.
Standing in her way and ready to provide stern opposition is Ruth King's Wicked Spartan. He's posted very quick times, successive career best efforts over 520m at Dapto at his past two outings.
On April 22, Wicked Spartan overcame a moderate start (from box 1) to rail through at the first turn and eventually score by 2 1/4 lengths in 29.76 seconds - the best time of the night.
Seven days later, he showed his versatility by coming from third mid-race to rail home and salute in a slick 29.64 secs. His strength at the finish over 520m is elite and he's ready for the step up in trip.
Early markets have Super Estrella as favourite yet Wicked Spartan has the edge experience-wise and punters will rally to his cause having drawn well in box three.
Add Opal Rocks - a fast 29.63 secs winner at Wentworth Park on April 24 - into the mix and this $5000 to-the-winner Middle Distance feature may prove to be a reference point for greater glory (over more ground) at Wentworth Park in the not-too-distant future.
