Racing: Starcraft son scores

Melbourne trainer Danny O'Brien is not known for his success with 2-year-olds but well-bred Star Witness could break with tradition for the stable after an exciting Moonee Valley debut.

Among the first progeny of the New Zealand-bred Starcraft (by Soviet Star) to race, the colt looked as if his waywardness would beat him in the straight before Nick Hall lifted him on the line to beat another first starter, Flokkati, by a short half-head in Saturday's Tatts Group Plate (1000m).

O'Brien has had a strong link with Star Witness' family having trained his dam Leone Chiara to seven city wins including an Adelaide Stakes victory.

Star Witness was a A$150,000 Magic Millions yearling and in early training was a standout among 60 youngsters O'Brien has.