After
hitting a rare vein of form as a late 4yo, Stratum stallion Land Of Plenty
suggested there's still more to offer after winning the Strathmore Bendigo Bank
Stks (1200m) LR at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Land Of Plenty wins the McLeod Stakes
Up until March this year Land Of Plenty had a record of 16 starts for just the
one win despite having been considered good enough to be tested in the Group
One Caulfield Guineas, Australian Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and Sir Rupert Clarke
Stakes.
In his last six starts since however he's really hit his straps, winning four
and placed twice, five at stakes level, and while Saturday's race was only a
Listed race it contained several horses with aspirations for bigger things in
the coming months.
Bigger things are also in the mind of the winner's trainer Darren Weir:
"He ran great 1st up," he said.
"He's on the path towards the Rupert Clarke and Toorak."
Winning rider Mark Zahra agreed saying; "He's always been a good horse. I think
with a light weight in the Rupert Clarke he'd be a good hope."
Bred by the Esplin
Family, Land Of Plenty was consigned by Twin Palms Stud to the 2015 Inglis
Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Session 2, where he was knocked down for
$80,000.
He is the eighth foal of the imported Spectrum mare Dancing (GB) who won the
Grade II Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita.
Dancing's half-sister Miss Vista also made the trip to the antipodes where she
left her mark as the dam of Group 1 Ranvet Stakes and Group 1 Auckland Cup
winner Zavite (Zabeel).
Dancing has a 2yo colt by Von Costa De Hero and a weanling filly by Office
Bearer. She was covered by Charge Forward last spring.
Land Of Plenty is one of 40 stakes-winners for Stratum who died at Widden Stud
in September 2016.
Widden stands Stratum's dual Group 1 winning son Stratum Star whose 2018
service fee has been set at $11,000.