Trainer Brett Robb has received strong reassurance from the ownership group of Gallant Star, who have made it clear the talented gelding will remain under his care despite inquiries about a possible stable switch.

Robb had floated the idea of sending the Kosciuszko runner-up to a metropolitan yard due to his rising benchmark rating and the increasing need to travel for suitable races. But the owners, including former Test cricketer and commentator Kerry O’Keeffe, quickly shut it down.

“I was talking to the owners yesterday, saying that on his run in the Festival Stakes and the form that has come out of it, there is a really good race in this horse. A black-type race,” Robb said.

“I spoke to the owners about whether we give him to a city trainer to help with the travelling, but the owners were solid, Kerry O’Keeffe and David Ringland.

“They said, ‘No way. He’s your horse and we want you to win the good race with him.’”

Gallant Star’s next step comes in Saturday’s Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Randwick, where he lines up fourth-up following strong runs this campaign, including his second in The Kosciuszko and his fifth behind The Ingham winner Yorkshire in the Festival Stakes.

While Robb had hoped to stretch him to a mile, the timing suits a pathway toward the $500,000 The Lakes (1600m) at Wyong on January 10.

Long-term, the target remains clear: another crack at The Kosciuszko.

“I’d love to win The Kosciuszko. That was always on the bucket list, and I think I’ve got the right horse to do it,” Robb said.

Barrier five on Saturday has boosted his confidence further.

“I galloped him yesterday morning myself and I don’t reckon I’ve had the horse as good,” he said.

“This whole prep he’s been good, but he’s spot-on at the moment. I was hoping for a good barrier, and we’ve got it. He can definitely run a race.”

Zac Lloyd, fresh off his Randwick treble that included winning The Ingham, takes the ride.

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