Stokes pair out to rebound in 2025 The Goodwood

Trainer Phillip Stokes says the inside barriers for his pair of runners in Saturday’s Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) may prove more a curse than a blessing.

Stretan Angel has drawn the rails in gate one, with Climbing Star close by in three, but Stokes admitted he would have preferred much wider alleys for both runners.

“I’m not happy with those draws,” Stokes said.

“I would prefer to be drawn middle to out with both of them, especially with the way they race at Morphettville, getting off the rails.

“It doesn’t help us, although Climbing Star did get up on the fence when she won the Sangster last year, so hopefully that’s the case again.

“But it certainly doesn’t help Stretan Angel, it’s not her racing style.”

Climbing Star memorably won the Robert Sangster Stakes last year from a wide draw, then backed up with a placing in The Goodwood. Stretan Angel also has solid credentials at this level and is improving each campaign.

Following this run, Climbing Star will head to the broodmare sale on the Gold Coast. Stokes will continue to train Stretan Angel through her five-year-old year.

Stokes confirmed a change in riding tactics with Lachlan Neindorf now aboard Stretan Angel and Thomas Stockdale taking over on Climbing Star. Neindorf recently guided Femminile to victory in the Group 1 South Australian Derby.

“Lachie rode them both on Tuesday and said they were good, so we can’t split them,” Stokes said.

“We just thought Lachie rides Stretan Angel better.”

“Climbing Star is having her last run and she’s going to the broodmare sale up at the Gold Coast, so there is more upside for Lachie going back to Stretan Angel.

“I feel Stretan Angel keeps taking that step and it would be nice to get that Group 1 for her, so she’ll race on for another year.”