Star Melbourne based jockey Damian Lane notched the biggest win of his career when he partnered quality galloper Stratum Star to a thrilling win in the $1 million Group One Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
A proven Group One winner in Melbourne, Stratum Star sent his earnings soaring past $1.6 million when he flew home to nail Scales of Justice right on the post.
The win was the first at the elite level in Perth for champion Ballarat based trainer Darren Weir.
“It was a deliberate plan,” Weir said about aiming at the Kingston Town Classic. “And it’s a plan which we have been able to deliver.”
After a narrow second placing in group level at Sandown at his previous run, Stratum Star was sent west and then given two trials to have him primed for today.
“I cam and looked at him last week and he looked a bit big underneath,” Weir noted. “I said he needed some strong work, so on Monday he had a good trial.”
“Willy Pike rode him (in the trial) and he gave him a good hit out – so thanks to everyone involved,” Weir added.
For Bunbury boy Damian Lane, the win in one of his home state’s feature races was “very satisfying.”
“It gives you great confidence when a trainer like Darren Weir puts you on,” Lane said. “My good mate Tyson was over here looking after the horse and he gave me a good report and some more confidence.”
“He had a lovely run from gate one and he had the last crack at them. It worked out perfect.”
Stratum Star completed a massive week at the Perth Summer Carnival with his sire, former Golden Slipper winner and fellow Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase Stratum.
Last Saturday it was another of Stratum’s son, Takedown, who had his trainer Gary Moore dancing when he scored a tremendous win in the Winterbottom Stakes at Group One level.
Today’s thrilling photo finish win for Stratum Star was the second at the elite level for the quality five-year-old.
The good looking chestnut was purchased for $165,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by his former trainer, the now retired horseman Rick Hore-Lacy. He was offered for sale by Widden Stud.
Hore-Lacy prepared the future star early in his career and he showed locals of ability. Since the transfer to Weir he has developed into a genuine Group One star.
As it stands Stratum Star boasts an impressive record of six wins and 15 placings from 33 runs and earnings of over $1.645 million.
Stratum Star wasn’t the only Magic Millions graduate to star on a good day’s racing around the country.
Quality mare Sweet Redemption scored a valuable Group Three win at Rosehill when she led her rivals home in the Festival Stakes (1500m).
A daughter of Snitzel, Sweet Redemption showed great tenacity in the straight to hold out her rivals under the urgings of VRC Oaks winning jockey Brenton Avdulla.
Co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are eyeing off a trip to the Gold Coast for Sweet Redemption, a $120,000 Gold Coast Yearling purchase for Round Table Racing in 2014.
Already Sweet Redemption has won her 20 owners over $288,000 from just 18 runs. She may run in the Villiers Stakes, but Waterhouse has said the Magic Millions Raceday is the main priority for the immediate future.
Talented Brisbane sprinter Most Important scored the biggest win of his career when he thumped his rivals in today’s Group Three George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.
A member of the Tony Gollan stable, Most Important raced clear of his rivals in the home straight and he and jockey Robbie Fradd cruised to the finish almost three lengths ahead.
Carrying the colours of the Huddy family, Most Important stakes his claim for the $10 million Magic Millions Raceday with the authoritative performance – his fifth win.
A $260,000 purchase from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud at the 2014 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Most Important (I Am Invincible) sent his earnings soaring to over $387,000.
While it wasn’t a black type race, the most impressive win on a metropolitan track anything in Australia today was turned in by unbeaten three-year-old Winning Rupert.
A $67,500 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale purchase in 2015 for trainer Bjorn Baker, Winning Rupert smashed his rivals as well as the 1200 metre track record at Eagle Farm.
The track record breaking feat was incredible considering the son of Written Tycoon was being eased down by Jeff Lloyd.
A graduate of Eliza Park International, Winning Rupert held a five and three quarter length margin at the post – his third win from as many starts.
Baker and fellow connections are eyeing off the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) – via the new Summer Crown Triple Crown series of races – today’s win was the first leg of the series.
Winner: Stratum Star
Breeding: Stratum-Purely Spectacular (Pins)
Race: WATC Kingston Town Classic G1 (1800m)
Sold for: $165,000
Sale: 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Widden Stud
Buyer: Rick Hore-Lacy
Prizemoney: $1,645,460
Owner(s): D Davidson, M Krauser, A Davidson, M Davidson, Estate of C People, I Berger, H Kalus, Dr N Slow, M Wolper, A Yeo, S Cheng, Widden Stud Pty Ltd, Balmerino Racing Partnership & The Hankton
Trainer: Darren Weir (Ballarat)
