Trainer Paul Perry’s chances of claiming a third Razor Sharp Handicap hinge on Sydney’s weather.
Perry has Stratana in Saturday’s 1200m Warwick Farm sprint but given the gelding’s only unplaced run in nine starts came on a heavy track, Perry is sweating on drying weather.
“He doesn’t like it too wet,” Perry said.
Warwick Farm was rated in the slow range on Wednesday and provided it doesn’t deteriorate further, Stratana will take his place.
A son of Perry’s 2005 Golden Slipper winner Stratum, Stratana has won three of his five starts this campaign.
He finished a gutsy third to Villiers contender My Destiny at his most recent appearance over 1300m when he drew barrier 15.
“He tried his insides out,” Perry said.
“He’s been very consistent. Very honest.
“He is the sort of bloke who is a pleasure to train.”
Perry has won the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap before with Prince Braeman two years ago and Chester County in 2003.
Both sprinters dropped back in trip to win as Stratana will do on Saturday, and Perry says his latest speedster compares favourably with his former winners.
“They (Prince Braeman and Chester County) both raced up on the speed as well and they were both pretty consistent when they were racing at the time,” Perry said.
Stratana will be one of three runners for Perry along with Guderian, who drops back from 1900m for the Jim Beam Handicap (1600m), and last-start Warwick Farm winner Platinum Choice.
AAP TURF
