Stratum Star to Be Set for Australian Cup 2017

Darren Weir has revealed that Stratum Star will be set on a path towards the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) following his tough win in the Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) at the Gold Coast over the weekend.

Stratum Star will be set for the 2017 Australian Cup. Photo: Steve Hart

Stratum Star will be set for the 2017 Australian Cup. Photo: Steve Hart

A multiple Group 1 winner, Stratum Star was charged with overcoming a race-high 61kgs in the Magic Millions Trophy and was anything but a ‘sure thing’ in the race, having never contested an event at a distance of more than 2000m.

Finding a good position in transit, the Stratum entire more than proved that he was the class horse of the capacity field; producing a typically-strong turn of foot in the final straight to register a comfortable win over Feltre and Payroll.

Weir told Racing Ahead that the horse has come through his run on the Gold Coast in terrific order and will target the 2017 Australian Cup at Flemington on March 12th, upon his return to Victoria.

“He had some space between runs and the trip to Perth,” Weir said.

“The query was the 2200m and 61kgs – there was lots of things to say that he couldn’t win but he just seems to get the job done. He’s a good tough horse, very sound and has good ability and he’s a simple horse to train.

“He presented up there in good shape so we were pleased and really happy with the order of the horse, and the key to it was the barrier 1.

“He’ll probably head on an Australia Cup path I’d say. He’s pulled up really well and we sent him out to a farm and is still up there now.

“He had three or four days in the paddock and I think they’re due to fly out tonight or tomorrow so we’ll get him back down to the beach and head him towards the Australia Cup.”

Stratum Star began his racing career under the guidance of Rick Hore-Lacy in early 2014 and has subsequently secured seven wins and fifteen minors, through a total of thirty-four competitive appearances.

Breaking through for his maiden win at the highest level in the 2015 edition of the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), Stratum Star stormed home to win the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) in Perth in early December 2016.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.