While most trainers would be thrilled with low barrier draws in a Group 1 contest, Phillip Stokes believes the inside alleys are far from ideal for his mares in the upcoming The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Stokes will saddle up both Stretan Angel and Climbing Star in the weight-for-age sprint, but the pair have landed gates one and three respectively—positions Stokes feels could be more of a hindrance than a help.

“I’m not happy with those draws,” Stokes said.

“I would prefer to be drawn middle to out with both of them, especially with the way they race at Morphettville, getting off the rails.

“It doesn’t help us, although Climbing Star did get up on the fence when she won the Sangster last year, so hopefully that’s the case again.

“But it certainly doesn’t help Stretan Angel, it’s not her racing style.”

Climbing Star famously claimed last year’s Robert Sangster Stakes from a wide barrier in gate 14, weaving through traffic to find an inside run. She later finished third in The Goodwood after jumping from gate 13.

Stretan Angel, meanwhile, had mid-field barriers for both features last season—barrier 10 in the Sangster (sixth place) and barrier seven when she ran second in The Goodwood.

This season, both mares again contested the Robert Sangster Stakes, with Stretan Angel finishing ninth from gate nine and Climbing Star fading to 12th from gate seven.

“I’m not sure what happened with Climbing Star last time,” Stokes said.

“She got buffeted early in the race and had an off day, but we can’t fault her and we’re hoping she will bounce back.”

With Climbing Star set to head to the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale later this month, The Goodwood will be her final run for the stable. Stretan Angel, on the other hand, will continue racing as a five-year-old next season.

In an effort to get the best from both runners, Stokes has elected to swap riders, with Lachlan Neindorf taking the reins on Stretan Angel and Thomas Stockdale aboard Climbing Star. Neindorf is coming off a Group 1 victory with Stokes in last weekend’s South Australian Derby (2500m) aboard Femminile.

“Lachie rode them both on Tuesday and said they were good, so we can’t split them,” Stokes explained.

“We just thought Lachie rides Stretan Angel better.

“Climbing Star is having her last run and she’s going to the broodmare sale up at the Gold Coast, so there is more upside for Lachie going back to Stretan Angel.

“I feel Stretan Angel keeps taking that step and it would be nice to get that Group 1 for her, so she’ll race on for another year.”