Classic prospects ahead for Astoria

The build-up to the G1 Australian Derby continues for Astoria when the colt runs in the G2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday, 16 March.

In a race trainer James Cummings described as “perfect” for him, Astoria is expected to be well-suited by the conditions the distance and the standard of the opposition.

“Astoria is building up beautifully to this race and we feel he can be more than competitive,” Cummings said.

A placegetter in last spring’s G1 Victoria Derby, Astoria had performed well in the two runs of his current preparation against fields of similar strength to the one he faces on Friday night.

The son of Medaglia d’Oro resumed with a third placing in the G2 Autumn Stakes over a 1,400m trip that was well short of his most effective range.

He then ran an improved race when second behind Valiant Spirit over the more suitable 1,800m of the G2 Autumn Classic at the same track on 24 February.

With an extra 200m to run at Moonee Valley, Astoria will be even more suited.

“He’s trained on beautifully since the Autumn Classic and I feel that even though it’s his first attempt at Moonee Valley he should be warming into it nicely when the pressure begins to build,” Cummings said.

“I believe he is one of the leading chances.”

Should he run as expected, Astoria is likely to be given another chance at a classic in the Australian Derby at Randwick on 7 April.

“He’s still in the nominations for the Derby and this could give us a good line on that,” Cummings said.