Darren Weir
Stratum Star, with Mark Zahra aboard, defied the late challenge of his stablemate Humidor ($5) to score by a long head before Weir pitched the r ising six-year-old stallion to studmasters after the race, suggesting the 2016/17 season would be the winner of more than $2.3 million's last on the racetrack.
However, Stratum Star sells himself with his latest success completing a
The chestnut headed to Queensland for a strong win over 2200m in the Magic Millions Trophy at the Gold Coast last month before showing prospective studmasters his trademark durability in the Peter Young Stakes.
The Peter Young Stakes was Stratum Star's eighth win in the 35 starts but Weir said connections have received interest from studs considering standing the dual Group I winner.
"He's a good tough horse. He's a magnificent looking horse and he's not going to be around much longer," Weir said.
"There will be a bit of interest from a few studs to stand him and I think he would make a great stallion.
"He's tough, he's sound and that's everything you want in a racehorse.
"You have got to be a tough horse to do that (win three races in three states) and he's just got the best attitude. He's sound and just loves to work and he's got a good racing style."
Weir will give Stratum Star the chance for a third Group I win next time out in the Australian Cup at Flemington in which he will have a rematch with Humidor and the Peter Young Stakes third placegetter The United States ($8.50).
Caulfield Cup winner Jameka started as the $3.60 favourite but weakened in the last 150m to finish fourth after she was caught wide early before making a midrace move to race outside the leader.
Weir noted the fifth placegetter Real Love ($26) turned in an improved effort after a fair effort behind another stablemate Burning Front in the Group III Carlyon Cup (1600m) at her previous outing.
