UNDOUBTEDLY was first into the barriers for the 2005 Golden Slipper Stakes. Minutes later, 14 youngsters belied their age and inexperience and stood calmly as the one class delinquent - FLYING PEGASUS - lived up to his bloodlines and spent a good amount of time considering alternative career options. The colt finally consented to race; OPPORTUNITY the final horse led into line. The starter maintained the buzz as he held the line for a further 30 seconds; the roar from the stands massive when he finally released the gates.

SNITZEL was away quickly but that was as noteworthy as his performance got, the much favoured colt finishing disappointingly close to the rear of the field (his trainer Gerald Ryan philosophical in his comment "these things happen, that's racing.") With 700m to go it was Alan Jones' and John Messara's OPPORTUNITY from the widest barrier with the hopes of Queensland's breeding industry - WRITTEN TYCOON - close on her heels. As they turned for home it was Len Beasley "riding a crest of a wave" who booted STRATUM to the lead and "riding for his life", the jockey who recently returned from a successful stint in Singapore, drove the colt headlong into the history books. FASHIONS AFIELD and MEDIA were barely distinguishable in their short half head split between second and third, a collective length behind the winner.

The maroon and pale blue silks that Stratum carried to victory were no stranger to the winner's circle. Their owner - trainer Paul Perry (and his wife) plus the Wallace Family were a combination already successful on the international stage with sprint-sensation Choisir. Stratum's victory also added a further accolade to Paul Perry's training feats this season which (apart from his first Slipper victory today) include multiple G1 wins by his boom 3yo colt Fastnet Rock.

Stratum was sent out at odds of $11.10/$3.70, his price reflecting certain commentators concerns that the G2 Pago Pago stakes winner from last weekend may not be equal in class to some of the other runners given the Pago Pago form was not considered as strong as that of the Skyline or Todman Stakes.

In the breeding stakes, the fairytale continued for Redoute's Choice, who having been scratched from the Golden Slipper six years ago (after being a strong contender for the win), sired the winning quinella in 2005. Former shuttler Gilded Time sired the third place getter (MEDIA) and Encosta de Lago secured the fourth (MNEMOSYNE).

Of note, three fillies filled the minor placings.