At Rosehill Gardens, Pakenham’s Phillip Stokes confessed to momentary confusion, but his star colt Stretan Ruler cut straight through for a resounding conquest of the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m) held on Saturday.
The impressive Stretan Ruler turned heads by dashing the 1100m track in a brisk 1:03.64s, prevailing by 3-1/2 lengths against elite Sydney 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.”
Chad Schofield aboard the $5.50 shot Stretan Ruler was untouchable, dominating Eviction Notice ($31) as Hidrix ($3.60 fav) trailed a long head back for third.
Stokes had the colt in the mix for Saturday’s Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond at Caulfield, yet barrier 19 led to withdrawal in favour of the Silver Slipper.
This result secures Stretan Ruler’s slot in the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 21.
Remarkably, TAB Fixed Odds listed Stretan Ruler at $101 for the Golden Slipper on Saturday morning, shrinking to $11 second favourite after the victory.
Stokes plans a single further preparation for his charge before 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 lauded the colt Stretan Ruler for his “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 stands ready to claim the ninth Silver Slipper-Golden Slipper double, like Farnan (2020), She Will Reign (2017), Mossfun (2014), Pierro (2012), Luskin Star (1977), Baguette (1970) and Eskimo Prince (1964).
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