Black Opal Winner for Stratum

Celebrating his birthday on Sunday, Gary Moore enjoyed a special birthday present when his Stratum gelding Takedown produced a courageous win in the Group III Canberra Black Opal Stakes.

A winner at Hawkesbury last month after finishing third on debut, Takedown stepped it up another notch when leading throughout and kicking on strongly to win the 1200 metre sprint by a length taking his earnings to $190,850.

Takedown is not entered for the Golden Slipper so connections will have to pay late entry if he is to run.

Takedown was retained to race by his breeders Widden Stud and Robert Anderson and is the second winner for stakes-placed Zafonic mare Apamea (GB).

The current yearling from Apamea is a Redoute’s Choice filly that will be offered by Widden Stud at the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 286.

Takedown is the 28th stakes-winner for Golden Slipper winner Stratum, whose high class son Stratum Star was beaten just half a length when third in the Group I VRC Australian Guineas on Saturday behind Wandjina and Alpine Eagle.