By Brennan Ryan
Stratford, winner of the Racing Queensland Country Cup Final in February, brought up his second sprint feature win for the year when successful in Tuesday night’s TAB Young Guns Final at Townsville over 498 metres.
Sent out as the $1.70 favourite from box eight for trainer Rhonda Essery, Stratford began best in charging across the field, to set bold a winning lead on the field with 300 metres left going down the back straight.
At the top of the home stretch, it was a matter of times and margins as the brindle sprinter raced away scoring by more than eight lengths, with Miss Verify and Mr. Mendoza flying home late to fill the minors.
The son of Fernando Bale and Jingjing notched up his seventh career win from 38 race appearances.
“Steve and I thought a wide draw would be ideal for Stratford in the Final; when he came up with the eight alley it bettered our chances and the seven (Miss verify) gave us the dream run,” Essery said.