O’Brien’s European stakes star in waiting for sire State Of Rest

Joseph O’Brien-trained filly Star Of State produced a dominant performance to break her maiden at Leopardstown in Ireland on Thursday, giving first-season shuttle sire State Of Rest his second winner.

Cox Plate winner State Of Rest, a son of Starspangledbanner, will next month return for his fourth southern hemisphere breeding season at Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley as momentum builds with his first northern hemisphere-bred crop of two-year-olds.

Runner-up on debut earlier this month, Star Of State started a short-priced favourite for the 1300m maiden and, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, scored by nine lengths.

“We liked her going to Fairyhouse, we were very happy with that run, and she was very impressive today,” said O’Brien who trained State Of Rest during his career.

“I don’t know how strong a race it was, but you don’t really see more impressive maiden winners than that. I’m delighted for [sire] State Of Rest and I’m delighted for (her owner) Mr Jaber.

“It’s our first winner for him and she looks a very exciting filly. Dylan said she’s got plenty of pace for six (furlongs) and he thinks she’ll probably have no trouble with seven. I think there’s lots to look forward to. Mr Jaber mentioned that we might go to the Lowther Group 2 at York) next month, so I suppose we’ll see how she pulls up and then we’ll make those plans.”

Star Of State also holds an entry for next month’s Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh and was bought for €85,000 by Rabbah Bloodstock from breeder Mountarmstrong Stud at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale.

State Of Rest, a four-time Group I winner who stands at Rathbarry Stud in Ireland and shuttles to Newgate in Australia, will stand at a fee of $22,000 with his first crop foals turning two on August 1.