First Stakes-Winner for Stryker

The foundation sire for leading Victorian nursery TBT, blue-blooded Fastnet Rock stallion Stryker produced his first stakes-winner on Saturday at Morphettville when talented filly Strykum scored a stylish first up victory in the Listed SAJC Queen Adelaide Stakes. 

Prepared by Lee and Anthony Freedman, Strykum was expected to win on debut last December when sent out a short priced favourite at Seymour, but could only finish fourth to subsequent stakes performer Take Pride after pulling up shin-sore.

Strykum has obviously pleased since returning to work as it’s no small task to tackle Black Type first up from a spell, but she rose to the challenge, travelling smoothly for Ben Melham in second position before surging to the front to win the 1050 metre dash by three quarters of a length over seasoned stakes-winner Thurlow.

“She began really well, travelled strongly and gave a good kick to the line,” said Melham.

“It was a good tough effort and she’ll take improvement from the run.”

Bred by Three Bridges Thoroughbreds, Strykum fetched $21,000 when sold by Three Bridges at the at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale, but could make only $12,000 when snaffled by Anthony Freedman at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale from the draft of Royston Stud.

She is the best of four winners from Group III placed Happy Giggle mare Dinkum Star, who comes from the family of Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks winner Rinky Dink and Group II winner Galah.

Dinkum Star has been a regular partner for Stryker and has another yearling filly and weanling filly to follow.

Strykum is the fifth winner for Stryker and is his third stakes horse joining Miss Loren and She is Stryking.

Stryker has three weanlings to be offered at the Inglis Australian Select Weanling Sale on Sunday.

Image by Jenny Barnes