Another small field and another shock as the long odds-on favourite Enthaar trailed in last of the four runners in the Listed WJ Adams Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield won by Jamie Kah on Streetcar Stranger.
Enthaar raced fiercely in the early stages, and it was apparent before the turn the leader Esta La Rocca had her measure.
Then Kah launched her challenge on Streetcar Stranger, and the son of Stratum proved a head too good for the fast-finishing 7yo Mossman gelding Mossman Gorge with the 4yo El Roca mare Esta La Roca three-quarter of a length back in third.
It was the first stakes success for the David Jolly-trained gelding who was coming off a three-quarter length second to Enthaar in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on November 27.
The Shane Doyle homebred son of Stratum advances his record to six wins, four seconds and two thirds from 18 starts with earnings of $329,240.
“He’s a tricky horse. If he shows up on the day, he’s a super old horse,” Kah said.
“David said he had been trialling really well, and he has to show up and get the right run. I was happy we drew into today. I wanted to do as little as possible, and he always has a nice kick if he gets the right run.
“He settled lovely. I wanted to get off the back of Lloyd’s (Esta La Rosca) and follow Enthaar everywhere I could. I was surprised. We got past it very easily and he probably got there too soon.
“I thought we were travelling pretty well, and he put a space on them straight away, but he probably hit the front too soon. A bigger field suits him because he can track something into the race.
“I was really happy with his effort, and hopefully, he can go on and win some more races.”
Streetcar Stranger is the only foal to race out of the Listed stakes-winner Streetcar Isabelle. The daughter of Danerich is a half-sister to Group III SAJC DC McKay Stakes and Listed SAJC Dermody Stakes winner Streetcar Magic (Blevic) and stakes-placed Streetcar Valour (Lion Heart).
Streetcar Isabelle has an unraced 2yo colt by Zoustar named Streetcar Apollo and a colt foal by Exceedance. She was covered by Written By last spring.
Streetcar Stranger becomes the 47th stakes-winner for the late Widden Stud stallion Stratum. The Golden Slipper winning son of Redoute’s Choice died in September 2016.
