Starzintheireyes’ aspirations for The Metropolitan have likely diminished after failing to gain a start in last week’s Kingston Town Stakes, a scenario trainer Tom Charlton suggests may prove fortunate.

The Randwick-based trainer, who manages stables in partnership with John O’Shea, indicated that the prevailing conditions would have been disadvantageous for the gelding.

O’Shea and Charlton have redirected their focus to Saturday’s Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1900m) at Rosehill, viewing it as a suitable alternative and anticipating the gelding’s opportunity to achieve his inaugural win in Australia.

“From the gate he would have gone back and it would have been impossible for him to win the way the track was playing,” Charlton stated regarding the Kingston Town Stakes, which was claimed by The Euphrates.

“Maybe it was a blessing in disguise, but he’s going very well and he’d be a live chance (this week).”

“I’d say it would be unlikely to go to The Metropolitan, but I guess there would some circumstances you would consider it.”

“If he were to finish on the bridle and won easily you’d think about, but at this stage we’d probably think he’s headed in another direction.”

The current plan means Starzintheireyes will face stablemate Mister Rizz in Saturday’s race.

The benchmark 88 handicap was previously scheduled for Starzintheireyes after his dominant first-up victory over 1800m at Hawkesbury on September 5. This marked his first Australian win in three starts, following earlier placings at Scone and Rosehill in May. Charlton expressed high expectations for the gelding.

“He’s quite a raw individual, he still does a few things wrong, but he’s a strong galloper and one that’s got potential in his time here in Australia,” Charlton commented.

“He was good the other day at Hawkesbury in a weak race, he was entitled to win like that, but we feel like he’s progressing in the right direction.”

“There’s still a lot of upside with him and he’s definitely improving, that’s for sure.”

Mister Rizz, a five-year-old by Lope De Vega, has competed in nine races, securing two wins and five placings. He will start from barrier three under Zac Lloyd, while James McDonald is set to ride Starzintheireyes from barrier five.

Consider the available betting sites for placing wagers on the upcoming race.

Trainer Ciaron Maher has been holding off on applying blinkers to Jimmysstar’s race day equipment until the right moment.

That opportune moment has finally presented itself, with Jimmysstar slated to compete in blinkers for the first time in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Sunday.

Jimmysstar completed a trial in the headgear on September 14 and was observed wearing blinkers during a Tuesday morning gallop at Caulfield with race jockey Ethan Brown in the saddle.

“I’ve thought about it for a while,” Maher stated.

“His trackwork isn’t the most indicative, but he does like to settle into a trial. It was difficult to ascertain the true reason for his last start performance, whether it was Angel Capital leaning on him or another factor, but I was certainly very pleased with him leading into that race, and I’m definitely happy with him heading into this one. I think they can only assist him, but if he can get the right run, that will be more significant, especially if he can get to the outside and unleash his known capabilities.”

Jimmysstar’s resumption was marked by what many considered a below-par performance in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 29, finishing ninth behind Beiwacht.

Maher reported that Jimmysstar has done well since that run and has not relinquished hope that the gelding could be a contender for The Everest at Randwick next month.

Jimmysstar finished third in last year’s renewal of The Everest, behind Ka Ying Rising.

“The primary consideration is the horse’s condition, and he has improved from his first-up run,” Maher explained. “He performed very well in The Everest last year, and we’ll certainly be keen to consider that race again, provided he is in the right form. He achieved a tough run last year and was very strong, so hopefully, he runs back to that form, and we can have those discussions.”

Jimmysstar has drawn barrier eight in the 13-horse field for Sunday’s event.

The rail is out to the 13-metre mark on Sunday, which is not ideal for a Group 1 contest.

“To have the rail out this far is probably not what everyone wants, especially with Jimmy,” Maher commented. “But horses were able to make ground on Saturday, and if they can continue to do so, it should not be a concern. Everyone is hoping for a fair track, I guess.”

Check out the latest betting sites for the Manikato Stakes.

Bryan Dauzat is set to make his final NASCAR Truck Series start at Talladega Superspeedway, with FDNY Racing confirming that the veteran driver will retire from the Truck Series after the race. The 66-year-old will return to the No. 28 Chevrolet for the October race, bringing an end to a NASCAR career that began with the same team in 2014.

FDNY Racing confirmed the news on X, announcing Dauzat’s final ride at Talladega:

“The Final Ride 🔜 Bryan Dauzat will be behind the wheel for the No.28 FDNY Racing Chevrolet at Talladega Superspeedway in a couple weeks for the final time, as he will retire from Truck Series competition after this race weekend.”

The team also thanked Dauzat for his long association with the organization:

“We would like to thank Bryan for all he has done for the team the past 12 years and wish him luck on his future endeavors and a happy retirement ❤️🏁”

Bryan Dauzat’s NASCAR career has largely been built around part-time Truck schedules. He made his Truck Series debut at Bristol in 2014 before returning to the national series in 2017. Since then, he has continued to make occasional starts with FDNY Racing.

Dauzat’s first major Truck Series result came at Talladega in 2018, when he finished eighth in the No. 28 truck. It remains his best result in the series, while his other career top-10 came at Daytona in 2024 when he finished ninth. He has made 23 Truck Series starts in his career and has attempted to qualify for the Daytona season opener every year since 2017.

Dauzat also competes part-time in the ARCA Menards Series for Brother-In-Law Racing, continuing a racing career that extends well beyond his Truck appearances. His final Truck start will bring that chapter to a close at a track where he recorded his best career finish.

Bryan Dauzat joins Tony Stewart and Cleetus McFarland for Truck Series race at Talladega

Bryan Dauzat will be one of several part-time drivers looking to compete in the NASCAR Love’s RV Stop 225 Truck Series race at Talladega. FDNY Racing will field its No. 28 Chevrolet for Dauzat as he prepares for his final NASCAR appearance.

The Talladega entry list also includes YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland, who has made two Truck Series starts. McFarland DNFed at Daytona earlier this year before returning at Michigan, where he finished 25th. He will be joined by his mentor Tony Stewart at Talladega.

Kaulig Racing announced earlier on Thursday that the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will drive the No. 25 Ram 1500 as part of Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program. Stewart’s first Truck Series start of 2026 came at Daytona and ended early, but he will now return for the season’s final superspeedway race.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega is scheduled for October 23, with FS1 carrying the live broadcast at 4 p.m. EDT.