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Promising sprinter Stratford will face his toughest test when he tackles stakes company for the first time in Friday's Listed Canterbury Classic.
Friday night's Canterbury Classic will be an important litmus test for up-and-coming sprinter Stratford.
Trained by Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, Stratford will be stepping up to stakes company for the first time when he resumes in the 1100-metre Listed feature.
Regular rider Rod Quinn says taking on the likes of seasoned campaigners News Alert and Jest Crewsin' will provide a good gauge on Stratford's ability.
"There are some nice horses in the race so it will give everyone a very good idea of where he's at," Quinn said.
Stratford underlined his potential with successive city wins during the winter, highlighted by his first-up 3-1/2-length triumph over 1100m at Rosehill on July 16.
Quinn jumped off him that day with the firm opinion he was a stakes-class galloper.
"The first time I won on him at Rosehill I thought he was definitely that sort of horse," he said.
Stratford narrowly won his next start before a second to Balavan and was spelled after a close-up fourth to Tiger Tees in a strong form race at Rosehill in September.
"He was still learning what it was all about and he went a bit hard in those races," Quinn said.
"He's older now and hopefully he's over that."
Stratford has been prepared for his return with two barrier trials, the latest over 900m at Rosehill last Friday when he finished second.
Quinn was in the saddle and was happy with the hitout.
"His last trial was quite good," Quinn said.
"He is probably racing a bit above his grade at the moment but he is a nice horse on the way up. He's drawn a nice barrier and he's right in the race."
Stratford has gate one in the field of eight and is one of six runners on the 54kg limit.
News Alert, last-start winner of the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap for new trainer Joe Pride, will carry topweight of 60kg, a kilogram more than multiple Group One winner Sniper's Bullet.
Sniper's Bullet has not raced since July and will be chasing his first win since the 2009 Kingston Town Classic in Perth.