Stratum Star Wins Group One

The Group I MRC Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday proved a triumph for Widden Stud, who bred, raised and sold the winner Stratum Star.

A talented four year-old entire by Golden Slipper winner Stratum, Stratum Star was a two time stakes-winner in Melbourne last spring and was third in the Group I VRC Australian Guineas to Wandjina with dual Group I winner Kermadec in fourth place.

With class on his side and two runs back from a spell under his belt, Darren Weir had Stratum Star fit and ready to fire for this Group I assignment over 1400 metres.

Ridden a treat by Craig Williams from a difficult gate, Stratum Star worked forward to take up a position and dashed late between horses to snatch a thrilling last stride victory.

Weir will now look to the Group I MRC Toorak Handicap in two weeks time for Stratum Star.

“That’s probably logically the next step. It was just nice to get that one out of the way,” he said.

A $165,000 Magic Millions purchase for Rick Hore-Lacy, who prepared him for his first four starts,
Stratum Star has the overall record of four wins and nine placings from 18 starts with prizemoney topping $640,000.

Bred and offered for sale by Widden Stud, who retain a share in his ownership, Stratum Star is the first foal of Pins mare Purely Spectacular, a full sister to stakes-winner Raid from the family of champion mare Emancipation.

He is a half-sister to smart three year-old Star Witness filly Serenade, who was third in the Group III MVRC Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Purely Spectacular has a two year-old filly and another yearling filly, both by Star Witness and was covered last spring by Stratum.

Stratum Star joins Crystal Lily, Streama and Southern Lord as the fourth Group I winner for Stratum, who stands this spring at a fee of $33,000.

Stratum went close to siring a stakes double with promising three year-old filly Flamboyant Lass finishing a close second in the Listed ATC Reginald Allen Quality at Rosehill.