AMID the mayhem that engulfed the mounting yard, Troy Corstens repeatedly roared "this is the best three-year-old in Australia".
It was hard to argue.
Moments earlier Starspangledbanner, ridden superbly by Danny Nikolic, had demolished his Caulfield Guineas rivals, deflating the much-heralded Sydney assault on the Group 1, led by Denman.
While many were sceptical that Starspangledbanner, a $100,000 yearling, would run out a demanding 1600m, Corstens and his father Leon had utmost and unswerving confidence in the colt's ability.
With the group of diverse owners – olive growers, restaurateurs and concreters to name but a small sample – shouting themselves hoarse in wild celebrations, it was a deserving triumph for Corstens, who has endured a share of unwanted stints on the sidelines.
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