The
foundation sire for leading Victorian nursery Three Bridges Thoroughbreds,
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. Click
here to see them.