Stratford confirmed his status as one of the most exciting gallopers in Sydney when he resumed from a spell with a blistering win at Rosehill this afternoon.
A three-year-old son of Stratum, Stratford provided a stunning burst of speed over the concluding stages to firstly reel in the leaders and then race away to win by a widening three and a half lengths.
Racing for the first time since winning the $100,000 BMW M3 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1200m) at the Gold Coast in January, Stratford couldn’t have been more impressive.
Veteran rider Rod Quinn said the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes prepared three-year-old looked to have an extremely bright future.
“He travelled lovely,” Quinn said. “I was lucky enough to ride him in a trial the other day and he gave me a really good feel.”
“He’s a lovely horse.”
“There was good speed in the race and we’d were drawn a bit awkward,” he added. “I really just wanted to get him across and give him an easy time early.”
“He travelled along and started coming into the race a bit early – he was going that well.”
“He’s above average that’s for sure,” Quinn summed up.
Stratford was purchased by senior part owner David Russo for $130,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The Segenhoe Stud (As Agent) offering has two wins and a runner-up placing from just four starts and he’s already earned over $122,000.
By former Magic Millions graduate and Golden Slipper winner Stratum, Stratford is one of six winners produced by Celebration Bell.
A daughter of True Version, Celebration Bell won two stakes, including one in Sydney, prior to being retired to stud where she has made a mark as a producer of note.
Three of her runners have earned black type headed by Sydney stakes winners Whoever and Speedy Bell – the latter now best known as the dam of Adrian Knox Stakes winner Speedy Natalie.
Winner: Stratford
Breeding: Stratum-Celebration Bell (True Version)
Race: ATC NAB Corporate Handicap (1100m)
Sold for: $130,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Segenhoe Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: David Russo
Earnings: $122,800
Owner(s): DV Russo Ms MA Attard & D Healy
Trainer: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
