Hearcomesthestar will be racing for more than just prize money when she lines up for the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Sandown on Saturday.

While a top-three finish in the race would certainly be appreciated, trainer John Moloney is focused on the value of securing ‘Black Type’ for the mare, which would significantly enhance her future as a broodmare.

Moloney is taking a calculated risk by entering Hearcomesthestar in this Stakes race, hoping her fitness advantage could give her the edge needed for success.

“For a Zoustar mare to get ‘Black Type’ would be pretty special,” Moloney said. “She’s pleasing me to take a chance at a ‘Black Type’ race early in the autumn before the better ones get up and about. We’re fit and well and it’s a nice chance to put her into the race, and if she could get into the finish, it would be hip-hip-hooray for us.”

The trainer also considered sending the mare to Tasmania for the Group 3 Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m) on February 7, which could have been a less challenging option. However, the logistics of the trip led Moloney to focus on the race closer to home.

“It’s a long journey into Hobart from where the boat docks, so we decided against that and made the decision to take our chance here,” Moloney explained. “Hopefully it’s easier in our own backyard than going all the way down there.”

While Hearcomesthestar is yet to race on the Sandown Lakeside track, she’s familiar with the venue, having won her debut at Sandown’s Hillside course in May 2023.

“She was able to come off the back and win that and then she got stuck on the fence on a wet track one day at the end of her previous campaign and had no luck,” Moloney said. “She has drawn out, so I think we’ll be getting back and running our best at the finish.”

With four wins from 16 starts and over $210,000 in prize money, Hearcomesthestar is aiming to boost her career by adding ‘Black Type’ to her breeding page, which would open up significant future opportunities as a broodmare.