West Star rises as eastern mission begins

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 | Posted by TABtouch

Simon Miller’s Ascot-based stable is buzzing with anticipation as his standout galloper West Star gears up for a high-profile 2025 Spring campaign on the east coast.

After a breakout season in Western Australia, the four-year-old son of Playing God has earned his shot at some of the country’s most prestigious races. With a string of dominant performances – including victories in the Listed Belgravia Stakes and Group 3 Northam Stakes – West Star has proven himself to be a versatile and high-class competitor.

Earlier this year, West Star was touted as a danger in the $5 million Quokka, where he lined up against Group 1 heavyweight Overpass. Although he didn’t land the win, he was less than a length behind Overpass, and trainer Simon Miller remained bullish about the gelding’s future, hinting at bigger targets ahead, such as the Golden Eagle.

That vision is now closer to becoming reality. The horse with the explosive turn of foot has touched down on the east coast, and Miller’s camp has confirmed he’ll kick off in the $300,000 Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on Saturday October 4.

Following the Gilgai Stakes, it’s believed West Star will likely have a lead-up run in Sydney before lining up for the Golden Eagle at Royal Randwick. But Miller considers West Star a very adaptable horse and has not ruled out appearances in other feature races, depending on how the campaign unfolds. His Spring trajectory hinges on how the gelding takes on the new challenge against elite eastern competition.

West Star’s rise is also a major win for his sire, WA legend Playing God. West Star is part of a new wave of progeny elevating the stallion’s reputation nationally, helping to solidify Playing God’s status as a sire capable of producing elite-level talent that can compete across state lines. His success is a testament to the quality and depth of WA breeding programs.

But West Star’s journey is more than just another campaign, it’s a story of resilience and promise. After missing the 2024 TABtouch Pinnacles Carnival due to an entrapped epiglottis, the gelding returned with a vengeance, notching wins and reaffirming his place among WA’s top prospects. Stay tuned as Simon Miller and West Star take on the best of the east this Spring. Punters and racing enthusiasts can rest assured there is plenty of excitement, grit, and maybe even a golden finish ahead.

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