One of 53 original Winterbottom Stakes 2014 nominations, Settle Strada is all but a confirmed starter with his Lark Hill-based trainer David Harrison confirming Saturday week’s Ascot feature as the galloper’s major aim this prep.
2014 Winterbottom Stakes favourite Angelic Light. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia.
The Strada six-year-old has had just the one run this time in and was disappointing but Harrison is still keen to run in the $750,000 Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on Railway Stakes Day, November 22.
Not seen in the winner’s stall since a three length effort over Talent Show in the Listed Goodwood Sprint (1300m) at Belmont Park in August of last year, Settle Strada has been racing below par all year.
His most recent effort was a second last when 11th behind Shining Knight beaten seven lengths in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot on November 4.
Patrick Carbery had the ride on Settle Strada in that first-up run at the start of the month and was forced to take the sprinter out wide from the horror draw.
Connections then will be hoping for a better draw in the Winterbottom Stakes, which if accepted will be the horse’s maiden Group 1 run.
The latest Winterbottom Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au are firmly led by Manikato Stakes runner-up Angelic Light, Robbie Griffith’s mare paying around $3.80 to atone for her luckless Group 1 loss at Moonee Valley last time out.
Based on his poor recent form and disaster finish in the Colonel Reeves, Settle Strada is situated right at the other end of the Winterbottom Stakes betting markets paying $151 to score an upset.
In other news from Harrison’s stable, veteran galloper Waratah’s Secret has officially been retired from racing.
The Oratorio eight-year-old bows out with a record of nine wins and 10 placings from 31 stars for $776,220 in prize money.
The three-time Group 3 winner was last seen walking home at Belmont Park on October 11 after suffering from cardiac arrhythmia, Harrison and connections opting to look after the horse and not push him to race again.
To back your early selections for the Winterbottom Stakes and the day’s other Group 1, the Railway Stakes run over the mile, visit Ladbrokes.com.au where you’ll find all the Perth Summer Racing Carnival feature markets.
