Trainer Phillip Stokes had planned to follow the same lead-up to the Sangster Stakes that led Climbing Star to victory in the Group 1 race last year, but a slight delay has altered the mare’s path.

Last year, Climbing Star started her campaign with a win in the Listed Matrice Stakes (1200m), followed by a placing in the Group 3 R N Irwin Stakes (1100m), before going on to win the Sangster Stakes at Morphettville. This year, however, Climbing Star will head into the Sangster with the Irwin Stakes on Saturday as her sole lead-up race.

Despite the shift in plans, Stokes is confident about the mare’s readiness, especially after she won a jump-out at Pakenham on March 25. “She jumped out really well,” Stokes said, acknowledging a slight setback earlier in her campaign. “Last year she was third-up into the Sangster, this year she’ll be second-up.”

Climbing Star, who has barrier 10 in the 11-horse field on Saturday, will target both the Sangster Stakes and The Goodwood, where she finished third last year. Following this campaign, she will be sold in the May broodmare sale on the Gold Coast.

“She should be well sought after,” Stokes said.