Phillip Stokes from Pakenham experienced some navigation issues at Rosehill Gardens, though his superb colt Stretan Ruler blazed the quickest path to a commanding success in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m) on Saturday.
Stretan Ruler captured the spotlight, negotiating the 1100m in 1:03.64s and defeating Sydney’s premier juveniles by 3-1/2 lengths.
“I couldn’t remember the last time I had been at Rosehill, I got a bit lost but I know where I am now,” Stokes said.
“I’ve never had a Golden Slipper starter before, never been close, so this is a great thrill. He’s a very exciting colt going forward.”
The $5.50 elect Stretan Ruler, guided by Chad Schofield, outclassed the field, prevailing over Eviction Notice ($31) with Hidrix ($3.60 favourite) a long head adrift in third.
With barrier 19 drawn for the Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond at Caulfield on Saturday, Stokes withdrew to contest the Silver Slipper.
Stretan Ruler’s achievement provides automatic access to the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 21 at Rosehill Gardens.
In a striking shift, Stretan Ruler went from $101 with TAB Fixed Odds for the Golden Slipper Saturday morning to $11 second favourite following his display.
One more targeted run lies ahead for Stretan Ruler ahead of the Golden Slipper, per Stokes.
“We will go two weeks to the Todman Stakes, that seems to be the race that sets up well (for the Golden Slipper),” Stokes said.
“I thought he was nearly there today. I just think the trip away now, he will take a lot of benefit from this, first time going Sydney way, too.
“I obviously thought enough of him to have him in the Blue Diamond but we scratched because of the barrier (19). He’s a very nice horse.”
According to Schofield, Stretan Ruler boasts a “great attitude, very genuine and just oozes quality.”
“He’s got a very good turn of foot,” Schofield said.
“The blinkers obviously sharpened him right up, he travelled well on a hot speed, and then accelerated sharply off that and was very strong through the line. He couldn’t have been any more impressive.”
The colt is in line for the ninth Silver Slipper-Golden Slipper success, mirroring Farnan (2020), She Will Reign (2017), Mossfun (2014), Pierro (2012), Luskin Star (1977), Baguette (1970) and Eskimo Prince (1964).
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