Stratum Star completes hat trick of big wins at Caulfield
DARREN Weir-trained Stratum Star has recorded its third straight notable win after surging late to win the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield.
The in-form five-year-old let the other horses do the hard work at the head of affairs before pouncing late in the piece, returning $6.20 at Sportsbet.com.au.
Stratum Star closed late to topple stablemate Humidor ($2 at Crownbet.com.au) and the United States ($1.90 at WilliamHill.com.au), which took the inside route but could not find enough to record the win.
The win was the horse’s third-straight win after winning the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy at the Gold Coast a month ago and the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic at Ascot late last year.
Race favourite and 2016 Caulfield Cup winner Jameka worked hard early in the race and did not feature in the finish.
Mark Zahra – who took the ride on Stratum Star for the first time since April of 2016 – said the tactics had to change mid-race after the beginning did not go to plan.
“I wanted to get cover but he just jumped so good,” Zahra said.
“I reckon (Darren Weir) would have been calling me every name under the sun until about the half mile, 1000m mark when (jockey Luke Nolen) took off (on Jameka), but I was just able to cuddle him for a bit longer, but he’s just such a good horse.
“He just jumps quick, puts on the speed, quickens a bit then holds it.”
The horse has had a hectic traveling schedule after racing in Perth, the Gold Coast and now Melbourne in its last three starts.
Zahra had his doubts the horse could put together a quality run after the distance travelled, but said the training performance from Darren Weir was top notch.
“‘Weiry’ has done a great job with him, I rode him early, I didn’t think he could stay.” the jockey said.
“He’s won over 2200m at the Gold Coast and he’s won a group two here.
“You can’t fault ‘Wiery’.”