There’s no questioning slot holder Jamie Durnberger-Smith’s confidence ahead of The Highlight Reel lining up in the inaugural Protostar.
The two-year-old, along with boom filly Bittersweet, have been confirmed as the latest runners for the new showpiece event to be held as part of the Queensland Constellations’ final night on Saturday, July 27.
They join emerging Queensland pacer Fate Awaits and colt My Ultimate Barney in the $500,000 Albion Park race over 1660 metres.
The Highlight Reel has posted three wins from three starts so far in his career, the latest coming in the $250,000 Listed Nutrien Equine Classic Final at Melton last month.
After consulting trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin, Durnberger-Smith had no hesitation in selecting the young colt for the slot.
“We think he’ll win, we’re super confident he’ll win,” Durnberger-Smith said.
“He’s a horse who has got brutal speed, and if he draws good, I’m sure he’ll be extremely hard to beat again.
“For us going over the current form, Fate Awaits is the one to beat and if Emma’s other runner Cigano gets a run, they look the top three contenders in our eyes.
“I know he won’t have many runs in between; he might have maybe one or two tops before the Protostar.
“Emma and Clayton set them for big races – they’re the best in the business, so I’m sure they’ll have him peaking at that race, especially going for $500,000.”
The first Protostar will be restricted to 10 starters with five open slots still available, alongside one further Ladbrokes slot.
It will be held on the same evening as the state’s Grand Circuit event – the Blacks A Fake – alongside three further Group 1 features – the Queensland Derby, Queensland Oaks, and Queensland Trotters Cup.