SW trainer Lane’s gelding a possible future star

South West trainer Michael Lane may have a future star on his hands, after Kia Ora Star won his maiden race at Belmont Racecourse on Saturday.

The full brother to Victoria Derby placegetter Kia Ora Koutou finished a neck ahead of the Paul Jordan-trained Scuffy to claim a maiden win on his first attempt.

With just one trial under his belt, the four-year-old bay gelding was the second-favourite at $5 to win the $30,000 Tabtouch Maiden (1200m).

Sitting nicely on the outside in eighth at the turn, jockey Jarrad Noske pushed Kia Ora Star and began to cut down Scruffy’s lead with 150m to go in the race, before winning on the line.

“He’s been a work in progress but it’s a great thrill today for everyone,” Lane said.

“We’ve had our fair share of issues with him. He’s a nice animal.”

Myalup trainer Justin Warwick was also on the winners’ list at Belmont, with in-form bay mare Elegant Blast saluting the judges in the $50,000 Apprentices’ Cup (2200m).

The favourite started strongly from barrier one and sat on the railing for much of the race, before making a move with 400m to go.

Jockey Jordan Turner put the four-year-old to work and he responded, finishing just ahead of New Zealand’s Romelo.