Smart Randwick Winner for Stratum

Stakes-placed in the spring and thought good enough to run in the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas, Stratum three year-old Weinholt proved too good at Randwick on Saturday when saluting over 1400 metres.

Prepared by Peter Moody, Weinholt was dispatched to Sydney at his third run back from a spell, so was cherry ripe to win.

“He travelled really nicely, ideally I would have liked to have been a bit closer but he would have been out of his comfort zone so I gave him that chance,” said winning rider Blake Shinn.

“1400 (metres) might be his best his right distance range but he certainly put the race to bed quickly.

“He’s been knocking on the door and it’s great to get a result for him.”

A winner of three races from 14 starts with prizemoney topping $180,000, Weinholt races for his breeder Basil Nolan of Raheen Stud and is the first foal of Annamarie, a blue-blooded Darley cast off that comes from the family of Group I stars Helmet and Epaulette.

Annamarie is by Elusive Quality (USA) from stakes-placed Ancelin (IRE), who is a half-sister to Accessories (GB), the dam of Helmet, Epaulette and Bullbars.

Raheen Stud purchased Annamarie off the track for $50,000 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and raced her on to win a further three races at Dalby, Ipswich and Toowoomba before sending her to Stratum.

Weinholt went to the 2012 Magic Millions where he was sold for $270,000 to Rick Hore-Lacy, a sale that was later cancelled.

Annamarie has a weanling full brother to Weinholt to follow.