Coolmore Classic favourite Streama has several hurdles to overcome on Saturday according to her trainer Guy Walter.
Streama is currently $3.10 for the Group 1 $600,000 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill and is going into the race with some solid form behind her.
The Stratum filly was narrowly beaten first up when she went down by a neck to Sea Siren in the Group 2 $175,000 Patinack Farm Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm on February 18.
But then reversed the result in the Group 2 $175,000 Patinack Farm Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm on March 10 beating Sea Siren in another close finish.
Walter said that Streama had only beaten horses in her own age group and sex and he thought she was badly weighted against some older mares.
“It is a huge test for her, she has only ever beaten horses of her own age and sex,” Walter said.
“In my opinion she is harshly weighted, I would have thought she could have got half to a kilogram less. The barrier isn’t the best either.”
Streama has drawn barrier nine in a field of fourteen and will have to replicate Tyhpoon Tracy who was the last filly to win the Coolmore in 2009.
Streama had a tremendous Sydney Spring last year, reeling off three wins in a row which saw her winning the Group 1 $400,000 Coolmore Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 1 by more than six lengths.
This followed wins in the Group 2 $175,000 Tattersalls Club Furious Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm on September 3 and the Group 2 $175,000 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on September 17.
The Stratum filly is facing her strongest opposition to date including multiple Group 1 winner Yosei, Epsom Handicap winner Secret Admirer, the Peter Moody trained King’s Rose and the in form mares Red Tracer and Steps In Time.
Trainer Stuart Webb is happy with the progress of Yosei after two runs from a spell and if she runs well on Saturday will push on for a start in the Group 1 $2m Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 21 with the Group 1 $400,000 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on April 7 in between.
“She has 52kg which is very appealing if we are going into it with good form,” Webb said.
“It will be two weeks into the Queen Of The Turf after Saturday, and if her form warrants she will have two weeks into the Doncaster.”
“First up in the Oakleigh Plate was very good. She went to the line with no room to extend and was only beaten three-and-a-half and her sectionals were very good.”
“She has had a couple of really good gallops since her 1400m at Flemington. I think we are just about where we need to be.”
