20th Stakes-winner for Stratum

Dashing grey Stratum (pictured) gelding Divine Calling has been on a sharp form upswing this preparation, his latest success coming at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious win in the Group II MVRC Stutt Stakes over 1600 metres.

Prepared by Gai Waterhouse, Divine Calling resumed with a fifth in the Group III MRC McNeil Stakes and followed with an easy win at Moonee Valley on September 14, priming him for this tougher assignment.

Partnered by Damien Oliver, Divine Calling finished strongly from back in the field to grab Shamus Award right on the line to win by a nose and then had to withstand a protest to hold the race.
“Really good win,” said stable representative Roger Elliott.

“Damien thought there might be pace on and that’s how it worked out. He’s not really bred to stay, but he’s doing everything right so we’ll push on.”
A $210,000 Magic Millions purchase for Gai Waterhouse and James Harron Bloodstock from the Baramul Stud draft, Divine Calling is the best of four winners from Group II winner Rubicall, so is bred to be above average.

Divine Calling has the overall record of three wins and two seconds from seven starts with prizemoney topping $240,000 and is the 20th stakes-winner for Stratum, who stands at a fee of $38,500.

27 September, 2013