Stratosphere - New Winner

Star Thoroughbreds have had a  hot run of success over the Tasmanian summer carnival and while prolific winner Durazzo had to settle for second in the Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes to Victorian raider Steparty, three year-old filly Sanniya captured the Group III Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m) in Hobart on Sunday.

Really coming into her own last time in with back to back stakes victories highlighted by an almost six length victory in the G2 MRC Sandown Guineas (1600m), Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman’s Sheza Albi returned in emphatic fashion on Saturday, winning the $300,000 G2 MRC Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m).

Yulong Investments has made a splash in New Zealand this season, buying up the nation’s leading three-year-old filly talent, and they were once again rewarded at Ellerslie on Saturday when sealing the quinella in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).

With the betting suggesting the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable would win the $750,000 G1 MRC Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, it was the outsider of their two runners in the race that produced the goods as Too Darn Hot 4yo Tropicus was simply too strong.

The purple and white stars colours of Star Thoroughbreds have had a hot run in Tasmania in recent weeks and featured again on Wednesday at Launceston when brilliant two year-old filly Sanniya made it two wins in as many starts when taking out the $150,000 Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m).

Minutes after 60/1 shot Power Beau won the Listed SAJC City Of Marion Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville to become the 28th stakes winner for Darley’s Brazen Beau, the Michael Freedman trained Cinsault won the G2 ATC Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill to become the 29th stakes winner for her sire.

The Golden Slipper market was again given an almighty shake up when the Philip Stokes trained Wild Ruler colt Stretan Ruler put the Sydney juveniles to shame when thrashing them to win the$300,000 Group II ATC Silver Slipper (1100m) by a wide margin.

What a difference three weeks has made in the life of rugged stayer Final Return.

Never further back than fourth in his five starts since joining the Bjorn Baker stable, Godolphin’s 6yo Street Boss gelding Pericles secured his first G1 victory, winning the MRC Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, becoming the third elite level winner for his dam.

The $400,000 Group II ATC Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday offered up a mouthwatering selection of some of the most desirable three year-old colts in the country, but the victor was a gelding that has more owners than all the other runners put together.