Victorian rules to stamp Slipper ticket as Freedman wins feature double

Sydney Morning Herald

by Craig Kerry

February 21, 2026

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Victorian rules to stamp Slipper ticket as Freedman wins feature double

Stretan Ruler made a strong case for himself as a Golden Slipper contender after dominating the Silver Slipper at Rosehill. Trained by Phillip Stokes, the colt won convincingly by three and a half lengths, jumping from $101 odds to become the second elect for the prestigious race. Stokes noted that Stretan Ruler’s performance was a stark contrast to his previous races, where he struggled due to inexperience and needed time to adapt. The win not only secured his place in the Slipper but also showcased the potential of Melbourne-bred horses over their Sydney counterparts. Meanwhile, Michael Freedman’s Steely Ninja continued his upward trajectory with a commanding victory in the Hobartville Stakes. After a tough second-place finish in the Magic Millions Guineas, Ninja matured into a stronger competitor, winning by a half-head margin under Tommy Berry. Freedman highlighted how the horse’s mental growth and experience from racing in Queensland contributed to his improved performance. With this win, Ninja is now poised to challenge for the Randwick Guineas, where he is expected to run a strong mile. The article also touched on other notable performances and controversies. Chad Schofield secured a treble with Cinsault’s impressive victory in the Millie Fox Stakes, while John O’Shea expressed frustration over Racing NSW’s decision to scratch his unbeaten horse, Bev’s Nine, due to gait issues. Despite stewards’ concerns, O’Shea argued that the horse was fit to race, calling the decision a “greatest mismatch” he had ever encountered. Overall, the day at Rosehill highlighted the rising stars of Australian horse racing and the ongoing debates that shape the sport. For fans of horse racing worldwide, these developments underscore the competitive spirit and potential for future successes in key events like the Golden Slipper and Randwick Guineas.

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/21/2026