Astern Sparkles in Debut, Eyes Slipper

Godolphin homebred Astern (Medaglia d'Oro) has now firmed into second choice for the G1 Golden Slipper S. behind only Capitalist (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus), after a strong debut win at Randwick reported Racing and Sports. Medaglia d'Oro sired the 2014 G1 Golden Slipper hero Vancouver (Aus).

“We have liked him and it is very rewarding for the tram at Osborne [Park] to produce him and to come here and win,” commented trainer John O'Shea to Racing and Sports. “It was nice to get the job done. The progeny always like a bit of headgear so we have that up our sleeve, but he has done a really good job, it is a great family and Medaglia d'Oro has been a tremendous stallion for us.”

Continued O'Shea, who regards Astern as the operation's best juvenile colt, “It is a fast running family. He has been a magnificent specimen the whole way along and we just hoped that he runs as well as he looks. He has some learning to do and he can go and have a freshen up now and come back for the autumn.”

Hoop James McDonald was also similarly jubilant regarding the son of Essaouira (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), who is also a half-brother to Blue Sapphire S. runner-up Mogador (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}).

“He is a weapon,” said McDonald. “He is as good as they come and I would say he is a super colt in the making, as good as you get. He was idling all the way up the straight and if the second horse had challenged him we would have gone again. It was pretty exciting and it gave me goose bumps. He is as good as they come, he looks like a machine and he feels like a machine and he runs like one.”