Punters clean up after landing huge plunge on Stratford
Rising superstar Stratford landed a $250,000 betting plunge and earned high praise from experienced jockey Rod Quinn at Rosehill yesterday.
Stratford enjoyed a stunning return to racing in the NAB Corporate Handicap (1100m) to set himself for a dominant spring campaign.
"I don't think I can say much, the horse did the talking for me," Quinn said.
"At the 800m he was off the bit, but by the 700m he was travelling so well. He just towed me into the race from the turn.
"He definitely feels like a potential topliner to me."
Quinn, one of Sydney's leading riders for close to three decades, has ridden many outstanding gallopers, including champions Lonhro, Viscount and Align.
He is well qualified to make an assessment on the potential of Stratford.
There is another common denominator with those three former stars - they were all trained by Hall of Famer John Hawkes, who also prepares Stratford in partnership with his sons Wayne and Michael.
Hawkes wasn't trackside for Stratford's return to racing yesterday, but he gave Quinn a simple set of riding instructions earlier in the day.
"All Hawkesy said was to use my head," the jockey revealed.
The loose translation of what the trainer was telling Quinn was to ensure he kept Stratford out of trouble and let the horse do the rest.
When markets were first opened on the race midweek, as much as $13 was bet about Stratford.
By post time, the promising three-year-old had firmed in to $4.40 and it is estimated punters ripped close to $250,000 from the bags of bookies on and off course.
In a thoroughly impressive performance, Stratford came from near last early, was the widest runner on the turn but showed brilliant acceleration to have the race in his keeping 200m out.
He cruised to the line, 3 1/2 lengths clear of Hurrara ($4.20 favourite), with a nose to Al's Gold ($10).
It is easy to get carried away with mid-winter restricted class form, but Stratford looked a cut above his rivals.
"I rode Stratford in a barrier trial recently and I said afterwards wherever he goes, he will be winning," Quinn said.
"He didn't wear the blinkers in the trial, but if anything he went even better with them on today.
"He's got all the right attributes to make the top grade.
"He has the right attitude, the ability and nothing concerns him so he could turn into a topliner."
Stratford was having only his fourth start yesterday, scoring his second win and taking his prizemoney to just over $100,000. He seems certain to quickly recoup the $130,000 paid for him as a yearling at the Magic Millions Sales two years ago.
Story: Ray Thomas Daily Telegraph
Photo: www.sportpix.com.au