Despite a late drift with online bookmakers, Stretan Angel (+600) has proved too strong in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon.
The Phillip Stokes-trained filly was given a tactically superior ride by Damian Lane, electing to sit outside the leaders and gaining a prominent position throughout the 1100m journey.
She and I Am Unstoppable (+230) led both their respective packs heading for home, as Stretan Angel was able to get the upper hand of the race favourite, setting up a mouthwatering clash in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) in a month.
Phillip Stokes was on course for the win of his dynamic filly and ensured Stretan Angel will now charge towards the Group 1 feature in early November.
“She jumped well today and taken a lot out of her first-up run,” said Stokes.
“We came here today knowing how much improvement she had to come, so she's done a super job.
“We still think she's only 85 percent, so it's exciting going into her next run, which is got to be there now (Coolmore).
It was Damian Lane's first sit on Stretan Angel, and he was glowing about the result in his post-race assessment.
“She was super,” said Lane.
“I was hoping I'd get her to begin better than she had been, but the pace was only steady, so it gave her a really good run in transit, being able to be there.
“I had to join in a touch earlier than I would've liked, but she was strong through the line.”
“Now she's shown a bit of tactical versatility; she's tough, she's quick, and Phillip (Stokes) said she'd improve out of the first-up run, and I dare say she'll improve again.”
Stretan Angel is now a +800 chance with online bookmakers in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on November 4.