Brave Second for Stralia

Melbourne – Lightly raced three year-old Stratum colt Stralia indicated he will be a force this spring when running a bold race to go down by a long neck to top class filly Snitzerland in the Group II VRC Danehill Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

The Mark Riley trained colt was having just his third start, following on from two impressive wins and had the race won everywhere but on the line at his first attempt at stakes company.

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.

Entered for the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas, Stralia looks to be another budding stakes performer for Stratum, who stands this season at a fee of $44,000.

Stratum also featured with a smart winner at Warwick Farm on Saturday, the Joe Pride trained four year-old Upshot posting his fourth win from seven starts when taking out the Benchmark 80 event by a long neck to take his prizemoney tally in excess of $100,000.