Guineas Winner for Stratum

The Group III Gold Coast Guineas was won on Saturday by talented Stratum gelding Takedown, who turned in a brave front running performance.

Consistent without winning since landing a pair of Group III victories at two, the Gary Moore trained gelding was sent to the front in the Guineas and fought off all challengers to win the 1200 metre sprint by a neck.

Moore revealed a wind operation undertaken after his unsuccessful spring campaign had made a big difference to the horse.

“He was breathing to about 50 percent capacity the last time he raced in the spring,” Moore said.
“But the operation he had was successful and he’s a different horse this time in.”

Moore said Takedown would have his next start in the Group III Fred Best Classic (1350m) at Doomben on May 21 with the Group I Stradbroke the long range goal.

“The 1350 metres will suit him even better and if he’s able to win that it will make him exempt from a ballot for the Stradbroke which is the race we really want to win,” Moore said.

“When he steps up to the 1350 metres he’ll be able to dominate from the front and he loves to race that way.”

With four wins and four placings from 13 starts, Takedown has won over $470,000 in prizemoney and was retained to race by his breeders Widden Stud and Robert and Deb Anderson.

He is the best of three winners for stakes-placed Zafonic mare Apamea (GB), who was covered by Zoustar last year.

Takedown is one of 29 stakes-winners for Stratum, who stands at $22,000 this year.