Trainer Darren Weir has revealed that Stratum Star could be set for races like the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Toorak Handicap if he performs well in the 2015 Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Stratum Star will start his 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign in the Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Stratum Star stamped himself as a horse to follow when he finished second in both the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) and Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) and he was one of the most consistent performers during the 2015 Melbourne Festival Of Racing.
The Stratum entire started his campaign with a second place finish in the Hill Plate (1300m) at Sandown on February 7 and he finished a credible third behind Wandjina in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 21.
Stratum Star made his Group 1 debut with a close third in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 7 and he was sent to the spelling paddock after he finished a very close second in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on March 20.
The four-year-old has proven that he is capable of proving competitive at the highest level of racing and Weir is hopeful that the entire can replicate the feat of stablemate Trust In A Gust and take out the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 26 and the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at the same venue on October 10.
“The owners and myself are dreaming a bit that he can be competitive in Group 1 races, but we will just see how he runs on Saturday first,” Weir said.
“It will be a similar program to what Trust In A Gust did last year was what I was planning on taking.
“We will see what happens on Saturday I guess.”
Stratum Star will start his 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) and he will carry 56.5 kilograms, but has been allocated a wide draw.
Weir admits that Stratum Star will require some luck in running in the Regal Roller Stakes, but he is hopeful that the Group 1 placegetter can hit the line strongly and prove competitive in the Listed event.
“He is quite a good horse,” Weir said.
“He has drawn a tricky gate and he is probably going to have to go back and that will make it harder for him, but he has to kick-off his preparation.
“He doesn’t look right in the coat yet, but his work has been good.
“I think that there will be a bit to come after Saturday, but hopefully he can run well.”
Stratum Star is currently available at 2015 Regal Roller Stakes odds of $9 with Ladbrokes and he is on the fourth line of betting behind Yesterday’s Songs ($5), Sardaaj ($6.50) and Pressing ($8).
