Edging closer to Group One return

TOP pacer Wolf Stride took another step towards his return to Group One racing last night.

First-up since his unplaced effort on July 30, Wolf Stride completed an impressive victory over 2300 metres at Club Menangle.

Pleased with the manner in which the son of Rock N Roll Heaven performed, trainer Darren Binskin has set his sights on the Group One Len Smith Mile, which is scheduled to be conducted at the world class venue on October 29.

Should Wolf Stride continue to show his best form Binskin will then prime the six-year-old for the Victorian-based Inter Dominion.

Opening heats of the prestigious Championship are programmed to be staged in Ballarat on November 26.

“He’s only had four starts for me and going into last night was the best he had felt since he came to my stable,” Binskin said.

“He did win second-up from a nine-month spell in mid-July, but he still wasn’t quite right.

“A brief freshen-up and a couple of trials had him in great shape this time around.

“He’s come through the run well and I can’t see any reason why he won’t improve for the run and get back to his best.”

Driven by Cameron Hart, Wolf Stride worked forward to find the lead from barrier seven as early pacemaker Stingray Tara was eased to take a stride.

Bursting clear of the pack during the latter stages, the gelding cruised to an eight-metre win from Stingray Tara.

Focus Stride, a stablemate of the winner, was two-and-a-half metres away third in 1:54.6.

“They both went well, but I am particularly happy with Wolf Stride,” Binskin said. “I’m setting him for the Len Smith Mile at the end of the month, but will look for another race for him between now and then.”