Leading mentor Andrea Dailly is hopeful Speed Star can go one better in this year’s Group 2 Ballarat Cup series (450m), which kicks off with four heats on Saturday night.

Last year, Speed Star finished fourth to Aston Kimetto in the prestigious final.

“He’s definitely going as well as last year, but his heat comprises a red-hot field,” Dailly said. “The game plan is to lead from box two, and hopefully he steps to the front and obtains first look at the rail.”

Dailly is conscious of the fact Seal The Deal (Box 1) can be ‘hit-and-miss’ out of the traps, but says Speed Star needs to kick away with at least a four-length break to have any chance of winning.

“The game plan is to lead from box two, and hopefully he steps to the front and obtains first look at the rail.”

“I’m not saying he can’t win, but his early quote of $6 is about right,” she said.

It should be noted that Speed Star has exited from the ‘check’ alley on 10 occasions for three wins, three seconds and three thirds.

A model of consistency, Speed Star has 26 wins, 14 seconds and eight thirds from 58 starts to his credit. He has won seven of his past 11 starts, including a purple patch of five straight during September-October.

Pawnote: Speed Star also finished fourth to Aston Kimetto in last year’s G2 Geelong Gold Cup.

WATCH: Speed Star (4) fully utilises his blistering early speed defeating Runnin’ Royalty – albeit over 390m – in a scintillating 21.65sec at Ballarat.