Time to face the “big boys”

MAKING the most of a drop in class at Club Menangle last night, Focus Stride will be back among the “big boys” next week.

Predicted to make his way to the top level, Focus Stride has had six starts following a 26-month racing absence for four wins and a second.

The son of Art Major was successful at seven of his last eight starts as a three-year-old before injury struck in April 2020.

Pleased with the stallion’s latest performance, trainer Darren Binskin plans to nominate Focus Stride for the Sutton McMillan Free-For-All at the world class venue.

Along with a $30,000 purse, the feature comes with an Inter Dominion ‘Golden Ticket’ for the winner.

“He did well last night,” Binskin said. “I gave him a short break after his open class run in July and the time off served him well.

“He felt sharp last night and will be better again for that run.

“He’ll need to be though as he will face the big boys in the open race next week.”

With Binskin in the cart, Focus Stride worked forward to find the lead from barrier 10 as early pacesetter, Boom, was eased to take a trail.

Forced to dig deep during the latter stages, Focus Stride scored by a head from Boom.

Nerano was five metres away third in 1:50.9 over a mile.

“It got close on the line, but he got the job done,” Binskin said. “As I said, he will be better for that run.”

In other news from the Binskin camp, Grand Circuit performer Wolf Stride is due to trial on Wednesday.

The multiple Group One winner hasn’t raced since his lacklustre seventh on July 30.