Star Of State (16:20 Leopardstown — Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden, 6½f)
A two-year-old bay filly by State Of Rest, owned by Jaber Abdullah and trained by Joseph O’Brien — who is firing at 35% over the last fortnight — and handed the ride to Dylan Browne McMonagle for the first time. Star Of State shaped with real promise on her debut at Fairyhouse on 8 July, finishing second of nine at 13/2, beaten 1½ lengths by Livenka in a performance that clearly left connections with a very positive impression.
She’s a half-sister to Yaahobby, a five-time winner between 5f and 7f, so the trip is well within her compass. The market has sent her off at 1/2 — very short for a once-raced filly — but when the O’Brien yard backs one this strongly, it usually means something.
Verdict: Back to win — market confidence says it all, top yard, and debut form franked.
