Snowdens impressed with Stravigo

TBV member Andrew Goulopoulos bred a smart winner at Canterbury on Friday evening when Stravigo saluted first-up from a winter spell.

The Stratum gelding is trained by Snowden Racing for Perth-based owners Elio Galante and Rod Russell.   He had been placed twice at Randwick earlier this year and broke through in the TAB More Than Just Winning Maiden (1100m).

Goulopoulos sold him through the Musk Creek Farm consignment for $170,000 at the 2014 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He has the potential to go through the grades although jockey James McDonald reported he felt a bit lazy until switched on in the straight.

“We were really impressed and hope to string a few more together in the future,” said Paul Snowden.  “He trialled beautifully at Rosehill on October 30 and November 10 so it was no surprise to see him win like that.”

Stravigo is from Moonee Valley winner Rovigo (Choisir).  She is one of 8 mares at the Goulopoulos family’s property nearby Musk Creek at Flinders on the Mornington peninsula.

Agent Tim Stewart (FBAA) purchased Rovigo for $75,000 at the 2011 Inglis Broodmare Sale.  “Tim has bought us some very nice mares and Rovigo throws outstanding types.  She has a yearling filly by Stratum and a Sebring filly on the ground.  She’s up at Swettenham Stud now and hopefully in foal to Toronado.”

Besides Rovigo, Goulopoulos has sent his mares to Victorian stallions such as Brazen Beau, Helmet and Canford Cliffs this year after they foaled to down to the likes of exciting newcomers Zoustar and Pierro.

The Collingwood lawyer has been involved in the industry near on 40 years and raced Salamander who went down a nose to Hyperno in the 1979 Melbourne Cup.  But there were plenty of highlights along the way for Goulopoulos and trainer Tommy Hughes with feature wins in the Turnbull Stakes, Toorak Hcp, Sandown Cup and C B Fisher Plate.

stravigo

STRAVIGO