Strickland Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are only 7 runners for the Strickland Stakes this year with 6 geldings and one mare. There is one 4YO, three 5YOs, two 6YOs and one 7YO. Four runners had their last start in the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes over 1600m at Belmont on 27 May while the rest came via different races. Trainer Stephen Miller has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Dom To Shoot who was outmuscled late to finish 0.3 length 2nd in the Hyperion Stakes. Second favourite is Queen Alina who is a talented staying mare having her first attempt at Group level. Third favourite is Startrade who won the Hyperion last outing. Last Of  The Line has been runner-up at his last 2 starts. The other runners are currently $7 or more.

1. Dom To Shoot (1)

Led from the 1000m before being run down late for 0.3 length 2nd in the Hyperion Stakes. Barrier 1 and William Pike are positives but he hasn’t managed to win at Belmont although he has placed in 3 of his 4 starts here. Place chance again.

2. Startrade (2)

This 6YO has 13 wins and 11 places from 39 starts. He looked back to the best when he caught the leader in the final stride in the Hyperion. Ran 3rd at his only attempt at this distance. Has claims again.

3. Kaptain Kaos (7)

Finished .5 lengths 5th in the Hyperion. Hasn’t won since the 2022 Hyperion Stakes and not sure the increase in distance will suit. Prefer others.

4. Last Of The Line (6)

One of 2 runners for trainer Stephen Miller (the other is Holy Enchantment). Ran 2nd in the Diggers Cup over 1800m at Ascot on 25 April, then was a close 2nd over 2100m at Ascot on 6 May when overhauled in the final stride. Has won 2 of his 4 starts at Belmont and gets winkers on for the first time. A winning chance.

5. Notorious One (3)

Finished a solid 4th in the Hyperion. Both runs this time in suggest the step up in trip could suit. Can handle heavy and soft conditions.

6. Holy Enchantment (4)

Resumes from a 21 week spell after running 6th in the Perth Cup. Usually comes to hand quickly but has never won first-up.

7. Queen Alina (5)

The only mare in the field. She has 4 wins and 4 places from 9 starts and has won up to 2100m. She resumed for 3rd over 1400m at Belmont where she ran on strongly from 11th. Should be in the finish.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

There were no scratchings.