Darren Weir concedes that there will be a query at the distance when Stratum Star takes to the barriers for the Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) on the Gold Coast this weekend.
Stratum Star will attempt 2200m for the first time in Saturday’s Magic Millions Trophy on the Gold Coast. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Stratum Star is a proven performer at the class of the Magic Millions Trophy and while he is a black type winner in races over a wide range of distances, is yet to contest an event greater than 2000m.
Last seen posting his second win at the highest level in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) in Perth on December 3rd, Weir told the Herald Sun that he is unsure how the five-year-old will handle 2200m, but is pleased with his condition leading into the $1 million race on Saturday.
“He’s going well and it’s a $1 million race and he runs well in whatever you put him in,” Weir said.
“If it was 2000m I wouldn’t have a worry. At 2200m if he draws a barrier it won’t be a problem, bit he doesn’t it could be.
“He’s a bloody good horse. He’s won two Group 1 races and I think he’s been placed 15 times in Group races.”
Posting a career total of six wins and fifteen minors through thirty-three starts, Stratum Star began his race tenure under the guidance of Rick Hore-Lacy, but was transferred to Weir’s care prior to his three-year-old campaign.
Producing a number of smart efforts during the 2015 Autumn Carnival, highlighted by an impressive third behind Wandjina and Alpine Eagle in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), the Stratum entire returned a better horse in spring and broke through for his maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).
Also winning the Group 3 David Jones Cup (2000m) before ending the year a disappointing twelfth in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m), Stratum Star posted a number of typically strong results during a busy autumn and winter preparation in 2016, including a close second in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
Taking a couple of runs to find condition in spring, Stratum Star placed second in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) on November 12th, in what was his only other start prior to the Kingston Town Classic.
The 2017 Magic Millions Trophy field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
