CONSISTENT Warrnambool-trained galloper Stratum Star faces the biggest test of his short career in the $500,000 group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington today, but according to Daniel Bowman, the three-year-old is up to the challenge.
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Stratum Star, formerly trained by Rick Hore-Lacy, is one of more than 40 horses in work at Darren Weir’s Warrnambool satellite stable under Bowman’s care for the Ballarat-based trainer.
“Stratum Star is ready to run the race of his life,” Bowman said.
“He’s in peak condition for the Guineas. We just need a bit of luck in the run to be in the finish. We’ve got an ideal barrier and the 1600 metres suits at this time of his campaign. I reckon if he’s good enough he’ll win barring bad luck.”
The son of Stratum’s record since joining Weir’s stables last July is one of consistency. Three wins and six minor placings from nine starts while with Bowman in Warrnambool.
“He’s just a lovely horse to do anything with. Stratum Star had a gallop over half a mile at Warrnambool on Tuesday morning with John Allen in the saddle. John reported all is well with the horse,” Bowman said.
“We’ve done a lot of work in the dunes with Stratum Star and he’s really strengthened up.”
Let’s Rock’N’Roll and Priority Road are Weir’s other Warrnambool runners at Flemington today.
Meanwhile, Ciaron Maher saddles up two strong fancies in Akavoroun and Chloe In Paris on the nine-race program. Akavoroun is second up in the $150,000 group 3 Rewards Stakes over 1400 metres while Chloe In Paris is attempting a hat trick of wins when she runs in the $120,000 Bob Hoysted Handicap. Woolsthorpe-bred mare Girl Guide takes her place in the $150,000 Frances Tressady Stakes.
