The Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap has long been a launching pad for Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup contenders—something the Corstens-Larkin stable is hoping to replicate with Lady In Pink at Flemington on Saturday.
Leon Corstens, a former long-time foreman for Bart Cummings, is following his old mentor’s blueprint by starting the mare’s campaign in the 1200m Aurie’s Star to build fitness without the stress of a turning track.
“Leon was with Bart for a very long time, and he always used to kick off his Cups horses in this race,” Will Larkin said.
The stable is mapping a path through the P B Lawrence Stakes, then potentially the Heatherlie Stakes, with a longer-term Caulfield Cup aim.
Meanwhile, stablemate Marble Nine will chase a fourth straight win at Flemington after showing no signs of needing a break.
“He’s adapted to the straight really well… he keeps going,” Larkin said.