Smart Winner for Stratum

Melbourne – It’s been more than a year since the Tony Noonan trained Stratumsphere found the winner’s circle, but he put it altogether at Mornington on Wednesday.

A four year-old gelding by Stratum, Stratumsphere won his first two starts in good style in May and June of last year, so it was good to see him recapture his best form.

Ridden a bold race by Jake Noonan, he led throughout and kicked on to win the 1000 metre Ratings 72 event by the best part of a length, his overall record now three wins from 12 starts with prizemoney in excess of $56,000.

Stratumsphere was a $70,000 purchase for his trainer from the draft of Yarraman Park at the 2010 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Bred by Yarraman Park’s Harry Mitchell, who retained a share, Stratumsphere is a half-brother to stakes-winner Carlton Spirit and stakes-placed Carlton Ace being one of six winners from smart stakes placed producer Aces Royale.

He is the 22nd winner for since the start of the season for Stratum, who is running sixth on the General Sires List by earnings.