Melbourne – 21 July, 2012

It might still be winter, but Golden Slipper winning sire Stratum may have a spring contender in the shape of exciting colt Stralia, who posted his second win in as many starts when scoring a soft victory over 1400 metres at Flemington on Saturday.

The Mark Riley trained colt was ridden perfectly by Damien Oliver, settling just behind the leaders under his 59 kg before cruising to a three-quarter length lead in the straight.

“He’s untapped,” said Mark Riley.

“I think you’ll find he’ll get better and better. He had them covered a long way out.”

Riley now has the enviable dilemma of whether he pushes on for the early spring races or bides his time.

“It’s the toss of a coin really, whether we have a dash at the Caulfield Guineas or hold back, give him a little break and look at the Sandown Guineas, which might be a more realistic race he can win.”

Damien Oliver has been aboard Stralia in each of his wins to date and has a big opinion of the colt.

“He has a lovely temperament and just does what he has to,” Oliver said.

“When he got to the front, he thought the job was done.”

A $140,000 purchase for his trainer from the Summerset Park Stud draft at the 2011 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Stralia is a half-brother to stakes-placed Mr President and is one of five winners from the Quest for Fame (GB) mare Duchess Cara.

Stralia looks to be another budding stakes performer for Widden Stud’s Stratum, who stands this season at a fee of $44,000.