Despite the likely presence of G1 Golden Slipper S. hero and 'TDN Rising Star' Capitalist (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Godolphin's Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) will start a warm favorite for Saturday's G2 Roman Consul S. at Royal Randwick.
Once-beaten in his six career appearances–a disappointing 11th to Capitalist in the Slipper last Mar. 19–Astern returned from a near five-month absence to annex the G2 Run To the Rose S. Aug. 27 and powered home in his latest to best would-be G1 Flight S. favorite Omei Sword (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) by two lengths in the G1 Golden Rose S. Sept. 10. Astern heads the market at $1.60 (3-5), with Capitalist on the second line at $3.50 (5-2).
'TDN Rising Star' El Divino (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) adds further intrigue to the field. Since dead-heating for the win with Astern in the G3 Kindergarten S. at Randwick Apr. 2, the half-brother to Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) has struggled to keep up with the Godolphin runnr, finishing four lengths fourth in the Run to the Rose and a midfield seventh in the Golden Rose.
Russian Revolution (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) will carry the silks of the China Horse Club in the Roman Consul as he looks to run his record to a perfect four-from-four. The A$320,000 Inglis Easter graduate was last seen winning the G3 Vain S. at Caulfield Aug. 13 for Peter and Paul Snowden.
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