Walker keen to explore further options over a mile with Star

Ed Walker is keen to keep exploring options at a mile after The Prettiest Star finished an honourable fourth in the Betfred 1000 Guineas.

Making just her third start, the daughter of Starman confirmed the promise of her Rockfel second on the Rowley Mile, hitting the frame on her seasonal return behind more experienced rivals.

It was a performance that gives Walker encouragement to continue campaigning over eight furlongs, as he now ponders dropping back in grade for a confidence booster before a return to the big leagues at Royal Ascot.

Walker said: “It was only her third start and when the crowd cheered the winner in she had a little spook which shows you she is still babyish still. Some of these others have had heaps of experience and it was a big ask but she stood up to it.

“Going into the race, my honest opinion was she probably won’t run over a mile again. But she saw it out and I definitely wouldn’t be afraid of going again at a mile.

“The seven furlong options are so few and far between and I don’t want to make her a sprinter. I think she relaxed really well and we’ll stick at a mile.

“The Coronation Stakes is the obvious race but she has not won a stakes race yet and do we get a win into her before we go back up to the top? I would love to make her a black type winner and she’s Group Two placed and fourth in a Guineas and that is mega but it would be nice to get her head in front again.

“She’s in the Commonwealth Cup as well, but after that you would be leaning towards the mile.”