Stokes and Neindorf previously combined to win the Group 1 Sangster Stakes in Adelaide last year, and Neindorf is a key rider for Stokes’ stable in Adelaide.
With a competitive field and weight spread expected, Stokes anticipated Stretan Angel would carry around 52kg in Saturday’s Group 1 1200m sprint at Flemington. However, several top contenders did not enter, resulting in Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Jimmysstar being assigned 58kg, shifting weights across the board.
Consequently, Stretan Angel will carry 55.5kg—3.5kg more than Stokes had anticipated—but Neindorf retains the ride.
Neindorf rode Stretan Angel to a second-place finish behind Skybird in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) on February 15.
“He’s going in with a lot of confidence,” Stokes said.
“He’s riding well for the stable, and we’re happy to have him on. We originally booked him expecting 52kg, but she’s carrying a bit more.”
Stretan Angel has only two career wins, including a Listed race at Morphettville in April 2023 and the Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington six months later.
She has also secured two Group 1 runner-up finishes—once in The Goodwood in Adelaide, where she was beaten by Benedetta (a rival this Saturday), and again first-up in the Lightning Stakes.
Her Lightning Stakes run signaled a strong return to form.
“She came back better than expected first-up,” Stokes said.
“I had her maybe in the top four, but she ran second, which was great.
“She’s second-up now, and she loves the straight. It’s a harder race, but maybe not by much, as she meets the same runners at better weights.
“1200 meters is her sweet spot, so we’re really looking forward to it.”