Stratum Colts Rev Up for Spring

Sydney – Golden Slipper winner Stratum was represented by two very promising colts during the autumn in I’m All The Talk and Va Pensiero, the pair seen tuning up for spring at the Warwick Farm trials on Friday morning where they both won in good style.

The Gary Portelli trained I’m All The Talk scored a dominant win in the Group III ATC Skyline Stakes before finishing down the track in the Golden Slipper from a wide gate and was immediately spelled.

He showed he will be a force to be reckoned with in the early spring sprints when taking his 795 metre trial in 46.9 seconds by three-quarters of a length with leading Melbourne rider Glen Boss in the saddle.

“He’s come back unbelievable and has grown into a magnificent colt,” said Gary Portelli.

“Glen made a special trip up from Melbourne to ride him in the trial this morning and he was very happy with him.”

Portelli will send I’m All The Talk straight to Melbourne for his first up run with the Group III MRC Vain Stakes over 1100 metres at Caulfield on August 17 pencilled in as his first target.

“When he walks into the birdcage down there people will say, now that’s a horse! “ Portelli said.

“He’s made so much physical improvement from last time, he’s just a beautiful horse now.

“I love the Stratum’s. They are a real trainer’s horse and trackwork rider’s horse for that matter. Very sensible and don’t waste unnecessary energy, a good temperament is everything.”

Also winning his trial at his first public appearance since an unplaced run in the Golden Slipper was Va Pensiero, who raced clear to win his 795 metre hit out by a length and three-quarters in 46.6 seconds.

Prepared by Jason Coyle, Va Pensiero beat I’m All The Talk when resuming from a spell last time and was a close second to Whittington in the $100,000 ATC Lonhro Plate, so could well be one to jump out of the ground this preparation if this trial is any indication.

Stratum continues to churn out the winners and recently cracked $6 million in Australian progeny earnings for this season. He stands this spring at a fee of $38,500 at Widden Stud.