Stratum Filly Aims at Karaka Million

A combination of natural talent and professionalism has booked promising Stratum filly Strata Lady a shot at New Zealand’s biggest pot of racing gold next month.

The precocious youngster was sent out a dominant favourite in the juvenile event at Awapuni and dispatched the small field with a minimum of fuss to win by more than three lengths.

“The Karaka Million is where she’s going and I’m sure she’s mature enough,” said co-trainer Andrew Scott, who prepares Strata Lady with Lance O’Sullivan at Matamata.

“It’s a really encouraging start to her career and it’s exciting to have her in the field.”

Strata Lady banked $12,500 for her connections from her debut victory to put her sixth in order of entry to the Listed $1 million dash at Ellerslie on January 25.

“She’s taken in everything so well and showed a kick,” Scott said. “It was a nice ride and Craig looked after her in the straight.

“She’s really professional and definitely going the right way – it was beautiful to watch.”

Strata Lady was first out of the gates to dispute the pace and she lengthened stride effortlessly when asked for a serious effort by Craig Grylls early in the run home.

“She’s very smart and showed a lot in her trials,” Grylls said. “She stood in the gates well, got out quickly and she did everything perfectly after that. She’s a very nice filly.”

Strata Lady was a $40,000 NZB Premier purchase from the Cambridge Stud draft and is from winning Octagonal mare Estermate, a half-sister to Group II winner Astrodame and grand-daughter of Group I winner Midnight Fever.