G1 ATC Derby trial for Astoria at Rosehill
A second classic campaign is in the making for Astoria when he runs in the G2 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday, 31 March.
Already a placegetter in the G1 Victoria Derby last spring, Astoria (Hugh Bowman) has been working steadily and surely toward another blue riband this time in.
Astoria has raced three times in his current preparation, performing well on each occasion, the most recent when fourth to Cliff’s Edge in the G2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley.
“Astoria comes into the Tulloch Stakes in very good condition after a real lung-burner in the Alister Clark at Moonee Valley a few weeks ago,” said his trainer James Cummings.
“I think his fitness will have improved as a result and he’ll be running a big race on Saturday against some horses who haven’t quite reached the sort of heights he has.
“I think he’s really primed for one of his best runs this time in and it should be the perfect race to get him back into the winners’ circle.”
Astoria’s best win to date was in the G3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle, his other success coming on a heavy track as a two-year-old.
The son of Medaglia D’Oro has a pedigree to match his classic aspirations, his female line tracing directly to the magnificent producer Eight Carat whose foals include the G1 winners Diamond Lover, Kaapstad, Marquise, Mouawad and the 10-time G1 winner Octagonal.
His opposition on Saturday includes fellow Derby aspirant Mongolian Marshal, an impressive winner of his past two starts in New Zealand, and Levendi who was second, just ahead of Astoria, in the Alister Clark.
