G1 Australian Derby credentials all positive for Astoria

An ideal preparation, proven staying ability and a sparkling pedigree are behind the chances of Astoria in Saturday’s G1 Australian Derby at Randwick.

With a spring classic placing already to his name, Astoria returned to training this autumn with one aim - and trainer James Cummings believes he is ready to hit the target.

“Astoria comes into the Derby with a really perfect grounding for a 2400m race,” Cummings said.

“He was narrowly touched off in the Tulloch Stakes last Saturday after a run that was full of merit and he looks to have tightened up a fraction since then.

“He’s been consistent throughout his preparation and as far as I’m concerned, he hasn’t run a disappointing race.”

Astoria, whose maternal line descends directly from the legendary producer Eight Carat, began his build up to Australia’s premier classic with placings over 1,400m and 1,800m at Caulfield during February. 

He then finished a commendable fourth behind Levendi in the G2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley before running the best race of his preparation when narrowly beaten in the G2 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill.

Cummings has no concerns about Astoria (Glyn Schofield) having only a week between that run and the Derby, nor does he fear any of his opposition.

“In an even race, in an open year, Astoria at least has a placing in the VRC Derby in the spring and he’s performed well at every distance from 1100m to 2500m,” he said. 

“He has the turn of foot to be competitive here and we’re pretty excited about his chances of getting a good run and finishing off strongly at Randwick.”

Among his Derby rivals are the VRC Derby winner Ace High, who was fourth behind D’Argento last start in the Rosehill Guineas, Belfast, who was fifth in the same race and the Tulloch Stakes winner Levendi.

The main dangers however, could come from a typically strong New Zealand contingent, including G1 NZ Derby winner Vin De Dance and his stablemate Mongolian Marshal.