Stretan Angel credited first-season sire Harry Angel (IRE) with a third Australian stakes-winner when unleashing a withering burst from the tail of the field to capture Saturday’s Listed Dequetteville Stakes at Morphettville.
Ridden by Kayla Crowther for Phillip Stokes, Stretan Angel settled towards the rear of the field. When Crowther asked for an effort, she found an immediate response.
Stretan Angel put the race to bed in a matter of strides to defeat the Trapeze Artist filly Artistica by two and three-quarter lengths with Godolphin’s Sepoy filly Remedies a short-head back in third.
The daughter of Harry Angel (IRE) impressed on debut when a fast finishing second to the promising Chilled at Morphettville on April 1.
Phil
lip Stokes’ son Tommy said they took a lot away from the filly’s debut.
“We left disappointed that she did not win but she could not have done any more,” Stokes said.
“We did not have her wound up for that, this race was a set play.
“It looked a bit hairy early on. She still does a bit wrong, mainly getting out of the gates and mustering. Everything else she seems very professional,
“She has the makings of a good horse, we need to iron out a few things.
“Where we go from here I am not sure. We will see how she pulls up. Originally we had planned to spell, but is she pulls up the Without Fear (Stakes) is coming up, we might go there.
“She was well bought. By a first-season sire, Harry Angel (IRE), who seems to be doing really well. She was bought by Dad and Rick Connolly for a few new owners, which is fantastic.
“She has a bright future and we will do the best by her.
“John Maclean (part owner) will be watching on TV at home. He is fond of this filly and it’s great to get another good horse for him.”
A $64,000 purchase for Phillip Stokes/Rick Connolly Bloodstock from the Raheen Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, Stretan Angel is the second winner from three to race for the Bernardini (USA) mare Sretan.
Purchased by Trevor Lobb for $35,000 out of the Godolphin draft at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale, Stretan is a half-sister to multiple stakes-placed Alegria (Medaglia d'Oro), dam of Group III winner Alegron (Teofilo), who placed in the ATC Derby, VRC Derby, and Spring Champion Stakes.
Shinkansen Bloodstock shelled out $85,000 for Sretan’s Brutal colt consigned by Kirks Bridge Farm to the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
After missing in 2021 Stretan was covered by Wild Ruler last spring.
Harry Angel (IRE) has made an exciting start to his southern hemisphere career.
Stretan Angel joins fellow black-type winners, Arkansaw Kid (Inglis Banner LR winner and third in Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes), and Tom Kitten (Listed Fernhill Stakes), for Godolphin Stud’s Group 1 winning son of Dark Angel.
