Stratum Star has scored a last-stride win in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, giving trainer Darren Weir his second successive victory in the Group One race.
In a finish that replicated the Underwood Stakes won by Mourinho, three horses went across the line together in the 1400m sprint at Caulfield on Saturday.
Stratum Star,Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2015
It came down to which horse had put its head down at the right time and after an agonising delay, Stratum Star ($9) was declared the winner.
“I thought I had the momentum and drive,” winning jockey Craig Williams said.
Stratum Star had the barest possible margin to spare over the favourite Disposition ($4) with Under The Louvre ($5.50) finishing in third.
Weir won last year’s race with Trust In A Gust and said going back to back with Stratum Star had been a long-range plan.
Stratum Star drew a wide barrier but Williams had his mount in the firing line and ready to challenge as the Strawberry Boy led the field into the straight.
“He got a terrific ride from Craig and if he didn’t get that sort of ride he wouldn’t have won,” Weir said.
