Stretan Angel accepts 2025 The Meteorite challenge

Phillip Stokes says Stretan Angel may not always make things straightforward, but he is upbeat the mare can produce her best again in the $1 million The Meteorite at Cranbourne on Saturday.

The Meteorite, run over 1200m and now in its second edition, is a slot race created by Southside Racing, who oversee Cranbourne and Pakenham operations. Its companion race, The Supernova (1400m), runs on Pakenham Cup Day.

A high-class mare with three Group 1 placings on her résumé, Stretan Angel finally returned to the winner’s stall in the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m), but her follow-up in the Group 3 Kirin Ichiban Sprint (1100m) was flat.

Stokes hasn’t been perturbed by the performance, saying inconsistency has long been part of her profile.

“She’s been like that for the last two years,” Stokes said.

“We gave her some fast work Saturday morning and everything says she’s going as good as ever.

“She’s run some slashing races at the elite level, but I feel she’s still there. If she can get the race run to suit, she will run a good race.”

Her original program had her bound for the Group 3 How Now Stakes, but when Southside Racing extended an invitation for their $1 million feature, Stokes didn’t hesitate.

“When they rang us up and gave us the offer, we thought, why not?” Stokes said.

“It’s worth a lot of money. She’s got a lot of black type already, so we’ll chase the money.”

With The Meteorite starting from the Cranbourne 1200m chute, reminiscent of Caulfield’s setup, Stokes hopes the race pans out to her liking.

“Good speed. Good speed and clear room – that’s what she needs.”

Stretan Angel is a $13 chance, while Zou Sensation remains the $4.50 favourite. For market comparisons, visit the JHR bookmaker listings.