Clear punters’ pick Stratum Star has justified his resounding support at Flemington this afternoon, displaying a superior turn of foot in the final straight to win the Listed Yellowglen Vintage Stakes (1400m) by a head from Manhattan Avenue.
Stratum Star has produced an exceptional final straight sprint to win the 2014 Yellowglen Vintage Stakes. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Jumping from the gates well, Stratum Star immediately settled in prime position on the heels of early leaders Schneller, Forgive And Forget and Kapset; who set a reasonable tempo over the back straight and rounding the bend.
Finding a clear racing line upon arriving on the final straight, the Stratum colt quickly spooled up and charged home down the outside, catching Manhattan Avenue with less-than 50m to run; Kapset maintaining running position for third.
Jockey Brad Rawiller delivered an exceptional ride on Stratum Star to win the 2014 Yellowglen Vintage Stakes and was quick to compliment the three-year-old in his recent form.
“I was just saying to the owners before we came out how good his attitude is. I galloped him on Tuesday morning and he was just beautiful,” Rawiller said following the race.
“He’s improving all the time; he’s just got a real nice little bit of class about him.”
Securing just his second race win in taking out the 2014 Yellowglen Vintage Stakes this afternoon in a career which has also included two minor places from just eight competitive starts, Stratum Star began his racing career under the guidance of trainer Rick Hore-Lacy before transferring to the care of Darren Weir at the beginning of this season.
Finishing third in the Schweppes Colts and Geldings 3.y.o (1100m) first-up on August 13th, the colt out of Purely Spectacular charged home to win the Betfair Power To Punter Maiden (1300m) on September 2nd before finishing second in the Pea Co BM64 (1350m) in his only other start prior to the Yellowglen Vintage Stakes.
Currently included in nominations for all of the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m), Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m), Weir is likely to keep Stratum Star on a path towards such events as the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) on Derby Day.
