Star chasing second Adelaide Stakes win

Having promised a lot and finally delivering, Climbing Star is heading back to Adelaide in search of another Stakes race victory.

Breaking through for her maiden Stakes win in the Listed Matrice Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on March 23, Climbing Star will on Saturday contest the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m) at that same venue.

Pakenham-based trainer Phillip Stokes, who also has a stable at Morphettville, said it was not ideal to be dropping back in distance, but added it was the only suitable option for the mare.

“It’s not ideal, but we haven’t done much with her,” Stokes said.

“It’s the right race for her as there wasn’t one here for her.”

A debut winner in maiden grade at Cranbourne in September 2022, Climbing Star ran in six Stakes races at her next 10 appearances prior to taking out the Matrice Stakes.

Stokes said he had finally worked out Climbing Star was a sprinter, rather than a 1400m to 1600m galloper, races he had previously been trying to win with the mare.

Climbing Star will be joined by Stretan Angel on the float over to Adelaide.

Stretan Angel is down to run in the Listed Redelva Stakes (1100m) on Saturday before both gallopers head to the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 27.

Stokes said Damian Lane would ride Stretan Angel in the Sangster Stakes while Lachlan Neindorf, who rode Climbing Star to victory in the Matrice Stakes, will have the mount again on Saturday and also in the Sangster Stakes.

Stretan Angel is no stranger to Adelaide racing having taken out the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville last April.

She returned in the spring to claim the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington in the spring and at her most recent outing was a first-up fourth behind Estriella in the Listed Sunlight Classic (1100m) at Flemington on March 30.