Trainer Phillip Stokes, based in Pakenham, may have taken a wrong turn at Rosehill Gardens, but his outstanding colt Stretan Ruler took the direct route to claim a dominant victory in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m) on Saturday.
The colt Stretan Ruler grabbed attention from all as he covered the 1100m in a swift 1:03.64s, creating a 3-1/2 length gap over some of Sydney’s top two-year-olds.
“I couldn’t remember the last time I had been at Rosehill, I got a bit lost but I know where I am now,” Stokes said.
“I’ve never had a Golden Slipper starter before, never been close, so this is a great thrill. He’s a very exciting colt going forward.”
Under jockey Chad Schofield, Stretan Ruler at $5.50 proved far too quick and superior, securing a comfortable success ahead of Eviction Notice ($31), while Hidrix ($3.60 fav) finished a long head further back in third.
Stokes had nominated the colt for the Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond at Caulfield that day, but with draw 19, opted for the Silver Slipper.
Victory in the Silver Slipper grants Stretan Ruler direct entry into the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 21.
Interestingly, TAB Fixed Odds had Stretan Ruler at $101 for the Golden Slipper earlier Saturday, but post-win, he shortened to $11 second favourite.
Stokes indicated the colt will have another preparatory outing prior to the Golden Slipper.
“We will go two weeks to the Todman Stakes, that seems to be the race that sets up well (for the Golden Slipper),” Stokes said.
“I thought he was nearly there today. I just think the trip away now, he will take a lot of benefit from this, first time going Sydney way, too.
“I obviously thought enough of him to have him in the Blue Diamond but we scratched because of the barrier (19). He’s a very nice horse.”
Schofield praised Stretan Ruler as a colt with a “great attitude, very genuine and just oozes quality.”
“He’s got a very good turn of foot,” Schofield said.
“The blinkers obviously sharpened him right up, he travelled well on a hot speed, and then accelerated sharply off that and was very strong through the line. He couldn’t have been any more impressive.”
Stretan Ruler is poised to join the ninth horse to achieve the Silver Slipper-Golden Slipper double, following Farnan (2020), She Will Reign (2017), Mossfun (2014), Pierro (2012), Luskin Star (1977), Baguette (1970) and Eskimo Prince (1964).
Explore the Australian betting sites for the latest racing odds on the Golden Slipper.
