Impressive speedster Golden Straand has kept up his impressive run and is strongly arguing for an opportunity in stakes company following yet another dominant success at Hawkesbury on Saturday.
Golden Straand sat towards the rear initially, before rider Nash Rawiller took the short path and the strong four-year-old entire powered home to claim victory in the Blakes Marine Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m).
Coach Matthew Smith might allow Golden Straand to progress steadily up the classes, yet the quick runner clearly possesses exceptional talent.
“Golden Straand is building a very good record and he’s winning his races with authority,” Smith said.
“He’s run fast time again (1m 02.82s) and he’s carried a big weight (60kg). I’ll talk to Nash to see what we should do next but he’s a promising sprinter.
“Do we keep working through the grades or maybe look at a race like the (Listed $200,000) Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone in two weeks? It’s a good problem to have.”
The $1.80 market leader notched his second triumph from just two outings this campaign, prevailing by half a length against comeback chaser Wanaruah ($13) to deliver top sire Snitzel the quinella. Couples Retreat ($9.50) finished just over a length back in third position.
Owned by Gerry Harvey, Golden Straand is a four-year-old entire with five victories from 10 career outings, and a black-type success would greatly boost his prospects and value as a future breeding stallion.
This term, he has secured four wins from six attempts and established a track record at Warwick Farm with a 1m 08.3s clocking over 1200m last spring.
Matthew Smith noted that Golden Straand has long shown talent but is now maturing in his racing style.
“He did a few things wrong early in his career,” Smith said. “But he’s starting to settle better in his races and he’s finding the line.
“There’s still improvement to come with this horse – he’s got a future, that’s for sure.”
Explore betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites to find the best options on Golden Straand’s next target.
