Dominant Silver Slipper win catapults Stretan Ruler towards Golden Slipper
Phillip Stokes, the Pakenham trainer, admitted to getting disoriented at Rosehill Gardens, yet his exceptional colt Stretan Ruler navigated straight to an authoritative triumph in Saturday's Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m).
Stretan Ruler demanded respect by blistering around the 1100m in 1:03.64s, finishing 3-1/2 lengths clear of Sydney's leading juveniles.
"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."
Ridden by Chad Schofield, the $5.50 chance Stretan Ruler overwhelmed opponents, beating Eviction Notice ($31) with Hidrix ($3.60 favourite) just a long head behind in third place.
Although entered in Caulfield's Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond on Saturday, barrier 19 prompted Stokes to scratch and target the Silver Slipper.
The success qualifies Stretan Ruler automatically for the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) scheduled at Rosehill Gardens on March 21.
Notably, Saturday morning saw TAB Fixed Odds quoting Stretan Ruler at $101 for the Golden Slipper, but his performance tightened odds to $11 as second pick.
According to Stokes, one additional lead-up race awaits before the big one.
"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."
Jockey Schofield called Stretan Ruler a colt possessing 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."
Now, Stretan Ruler aims to be the ninth to secure both the Silver Slipper and Golden Slipper, emulating Farnan (2020), She Will Reign (2017), Mossfun (2014), Pierro (2012), Luskin Star (1977), Baguette (1970) and Eskimo Prince (1964).
Visit the online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the Golden Slipper.
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