DURING his two-year-old career last season, there was no doubt that American-bred dark bay gelding Stranger Danger exhibited quality traits that quickly caught the attention of horse watchers who started to take a closer look especially during his exercise spins.

It was during these early morning workouts that Stranger Danger outdid stablemate and 2017 Horse of the Year, She’s A Maneater. Those efforts further excited seasoned watchers as other interests zoomed in from far and wide. He, Stranger Danger had now become the centre of attention.

Then came the Ash Wednesday raceday (March 6, 2019) with the Wayne DaCosta trainee nominated to run over six and a half furlongs at the Overnight Allowance level against nine older rivals.

Stranger Danger ( Buffin – Casual Kiss) won easily on Ash Wednesday against the toughest opposition he has faced to date, winning by six lengths in a fast time of 1:17.3.

Stranger Danger was effective against his two-year-old age group peers, racking up three consecutive wins over various distances.

The Wayne DaCosta trainee career began on October 20, 2018 in a five-and-a-half-furlong event with a win by a head over stable companion American Invader in a time of 1:06.0 after missing the break.

Stranger Danger’s second effort came in the Dye Job Sprint on December 8 when he had another easy run, winning by 6 ¾ lengths over six furlongs (1,200m) in a time of 1:12.1.

He then closed out the juvenile season with a performance that would win him champion two-year-old taking the Sweet Ruckus Trophy over seven furlongs (1,400m) on December 29 in a time of 1:24.4.

HOW THE ASH WEDNESDAY RACE WAS RUN: Stranger Danger (Anthony Thomas) got a good break and raced in third position from the off behind Storm Princess (Prince Holder) and My Elle Belle (Oneil Mullings). Passing the five-furlong (1,000m) marker heading towards the four furlong marker, Stranger Danger snared the lead and kept going from there to the wire for his fourth win from four starts. Saratoga Sight (Aaron Chatrie) ran on well to finish in second place with Hey Champ (Raddesh Roman) third and Winter Is Coming (Abigail Able) fourth in the 10-horse field.

SPECIAL NOTES: This was four wins from four starts by Stranger Danger, three as a juvenile and now one against older horses. Stranger Danger has won his four races by a combined 27 lengths and has now earned just over $2 million.

TRAINER DACOSTA’S COMMENT: “Good performance by Stranger Danger – it was a workmanlike performance. Stranger Danger did what he had to do to win today (Ash Wednesday) and that is first and foremost for the camp. Stranger Danger came up some moderate horses at the Overnight level and I am just really happy that he was able to transfer his exercise form during an actual race. There is no doubt that Stranger Danger is talented but at this stage we cannot be over enthused. I have been it racing for too long and I know what can happen, but for now, the task is to keep him well and healthy and let us see when he goes from here. I like him, I like him a lot, he is talented and my hope is that he will execute when asked to do so in the future. As to what’s next? Let’s start with the fact that Stranger Danger is now in a very tough and competitive grouping, Open Allowance, and there is an eight-furlong (1,600m) race next month and we more than likely going there and I expect him to do good there.”