Sixth Group One Winner for Stratum
John Bary was back in the Group I groove at Te Aroha on Saturday, successfully executing a long-term plan when the well-related Stratum mare Miss Wilson reigned supreme in the Group I Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
An emotional Bary savoured top-flight success with the half-sister to his former star galloper Jimmy Choux, a multiple Group I winner and former New Zealand Horse of the Year.
He was bred and raced by Richard and Liz Wood and their familiar colours were donned by Vinnie Colgan aboard Miss Wilson.
“It’s great for Richard and Liz. They have been big supporters of the stable,” Bary said.
“This means a lot to me and my staff, they work long hours and this is as much about them as me.”
Miss Wilson finished fourth in the Breeders’ Stakes 12 months ago after she had won the Group III Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and this time around Bary elected to bypass the Trentham event.
“I learned from last year and she is much better fresh,” he said.
Ridden by Vinnie Colgan, Miss Wilson jumped well to sit behind the tearaway leaders Ruud Not Too and Nicoletta before reeling them in 250m from home.
“This is really special, it’s been a long-time plan and full credit to John and his team,” Richard Wood said.
Miss Wilson won by half a length from Thee Auld Floozie, who also finished runner-up in the 2017 edition of the event behind Charmont.
She is the sixth Group I winner for Widden Stud’s much missed Golden Slipper winning sire Stratum, who has six entries for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Stratum’s place at Widden has been filled by his dual Group I winning son Stratum Star, who was popular last spring covering 116 mares in his first season at stud.
