Sydney three-year-old Star Turn has thrown his hat into the ring for the Coolmore Stakes with an emphatic win at Caulfield.
Star Turn took on the older horses in the weight-for-age Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday and outclassed his rivals.
The Group One Coolmore Stakes at Flemington on the opening day of the four-day Melbourne Cup carnival now awaits.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Star Turn was backed from $2.30 to run the $2.10 favourite before scoring a 2-1/4 length win from Malaguerra ($17) with Fell Swoop ($6) a length away third.
Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said it was never easy for a three-year-old to beat older horses, early in the season.
"These are the boys taking on the men so it's been a good effort," Hawkes said.
"The Coolmore is the obvious place to go."
Hawkes said the Manikato Stakes had been considered but stablemate Chautauqua was heading to that Group One race.
Williams said the weights may have favoured Star Turn at weight-for-age but it was still a great effort to win.
"He got a bit tight but picked himself up and won well," Williams said.