Phillip Stokes heads into Saturday’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide with two talented mares, Climbing Star and Stretan Angel, but is struggling to pick the better contender.
Climbing Star is the defending champion, but returns second-up after a setback. Meanwhile, Stretan Angel has been in strong form this autumn, with placings in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning and Newmarket Handicap, followed by a solid fourth in the William Reid Stakes.
“They’ve had entirely different preps, but I can’t find much separating them,” Stokes told racing.com.
Both mares have their strengths, with Stretan Angel’s consistent top-level form and Climbing Star’s impressive first-up run.
Jockey Lachie Neindorf will ride Climbing Star, while Tom Stockdale takes the reins on Stretan Angel.
Stokes is also eyeing a strong performance from his fillies in the Australasian Oaks, though he remains uncertain after mixed results in the Auraria Stakes.
Climbing Star is a $6 chance and Stretan Angel is priced at $8 for the Sangster, with Asfoora the favorite at $4.
