Widden Stud sire Stratum joined Jet Spur and Snitzel at the top of the Australian first-season sires’ premiership (winners) when Umgeton scored a two length victory in the Elders Ltd 2yo Plate (900m) at Bendigo on Saturday.

Umgeton (2f Stratum – Edgeton by Racer’s Edge) led them up from an outside barrier on debut and was always in control under Darren Gauci.  The winner is trained locally by Brendon Hearps and he also has a share in her ownership.

Hearps purchased Umgeton for $72,500 at the 2009 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale from Chatswood Stud.  She originally went through the ring as part of the Lincoln Farm draft at the 2008 Magic Million National weanling sale.  Chatswood’s Greg Willis pin-hooked her for $18,000 on the Gold Coast.

Her dam Edgeton is by Chatswood sire Racer’s Edge and the best of her 7 wins was a Listed victory in the Ian McEwen Trophy at Moonee Valley.  She missed to Danzero in 2007 and 2008 and was bred back to Stratum last year.

Stratum has now sired 5 individual winners.  The best to date is Crystal Lily, a Listed winner of the Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield on Australia Day.  Another of his better performers is the Lee Freedman trained colt Pellizotti who is still a maiden despite earning black-type at Flemington and Caulfield.

Stratum (Redoute’s Choice) retired to stud after a career that saw him win the 2005 G1 Golden Slipper and G2 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill.  He has been very popular with broodmare owners covering upwards of 700 mares at a $30,000 fee in his first four books in the Widden Valley.

Stratum was the favourite at $2.40 in Sportingbet’s opening market for the Australian first-season sires’ champion ship in the winners category.  He was equal favourite with Jet Spur at $2.80 before Umgeton won on Saturday.

www.sportingbet.com.au market

$2.80 Stratum   $2.80 Jet Spur   $3.20 Snitzel   $6.50 Snippetson   $13 Bradbury’s Luck   $13 Hidden Dragon   $13 Starcraft   $18 Oratorio   $20 Dubawi