Pakenham trainer Phillip Stokes celebrated a significant victory on March 4, 2023, as his horse, Stretan Ruler, triumphed in the Silver Slipper at Rosehill. This performance not only marked a turning point for the Wild Ruler colt, who had yet to win in two prior starts, but also positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming Golden Slipper worth $5 million.
Stretan Ruler, initially viewed as an outsider with odds of $101 at the start of the day, delivered an impressive performance, winning the race by three and a half lengths. After the victory, his odds shifted dramatically to $11, making him a second elect for the prestigious Golden Slipper. Jockey Chad Schofield executed a strategic ride, placing Stretan Ruler in a prime position before he surged ahead at the 200-meter mark. Rounding out the podium were Eviction Notice and Hidrix.
Reflecting on the win, Stokes noted the challenge of assessing the form of horses from different regions. “We didn’t know how to line up the form to be honest with you,” he said, adding a light-hearted comment about the Melbourne horses possibly having an edge over their Sydney counterparts.
Earlier in the week, Stretan Ruler was the first emergency for the $2 million Blue Diamond at Caulfield but did not compete. Stokes made the strategic decision to run in the Group 2 event at Rosehill instead. The next target for Stretan Ruler is the Todman Stakes, scheduled in two weeks at Randwick, where he has now secured a spot for the Golden Slipper.
Stokes expressed optimism about Stretan Ruler’s future. The horse, purchased for $220,000 as a yearling, has room for improvement, according to his trainer. “I thought he was going to be there today; his first-up run he was found wanting,” Stokes remarked, referencing Stretan Ruler’s fourth-place finish in the Blue Diamond Prelude. He acknowledged that the colt’s long break from racing and his physical condition contributed to that performance. The addition of blinkers, he noted, seemed to invigorate Stretan Ruler, enhancing his focus and performance.
As excitement builds for the upcoming Golden Slipper, Stokes and Stretan Ruler’s journey continues, with fans eager to see how this promising horse will fare on the bigger stage.
