It is hard to believe that a small two-year-old race in Sydney, on a low-key Saturday in December, could get hardened professionals excited. But the win of Godolphin's Astern at Randwick on December 5 did just that.
It is hard to believe that a small two-year-old race in Sydney, on a low-key Saturday in December, could get hardened professionals excited. But the win of Godolphin's Astern at Randwick on December 5 did just that.
Trainer John O'Shea and jockey James McDonald are openly enthusiastic about the son of Medaglia d'Oro, who they believe will be their G1 Golden Slipper colt in the Sydney Autumn. And days later, they are still on 'cloud nine.'
"With a horse as talented as this, you have to be careful not to build him up too much," McDonald said. "It's very early in his career. But, what I can say is 'Wow.'
"What an imposing young horse. He's very precocious. He was like a three-year-old against youngsters on Saturday. He's as good a two-year-old as I have sat on, but having said that, I can see him going on and getting better at three," the jockey said.
McDonald said he expects Astern to start favourite for the Golden Slipper on March 19, though the colt will run in two prep races, the G2 Silver Slipper and the G2 Todman Stakes, prior to his big target.
It was the perfect start to a hectic week of international competition for McDonald, who is one of the stars riding in the Hong Kong Jockeys Challenge at Happy Valley on December 9.
The New Zealand-born jockey represents his native country in four races around Hong Kong's tight city track, situated right in the heart of towering apartment blocks and bright nightlife.
"I will complete my study of the form in the next 24 hours, and find out all I can about my mounts when I get to Hong Kong," he said.
After racing on Wednesday, McDonald is back on a plane to Sydney, where he has good rides for Godolphin at Canterbury on Friday night, plus a big day at Randwick on Saturday, when he partners It's Somewhat for the 'Royal Blues' in the G2 Villiers Stakes.
Then, it is back to Hong Kong for Sunday's Hong Kong International Races. He has been booked to partner Satono Aladdin for trainer Yasutoshi Ikee in the G1 Hong Kong International Cup, over 2,000m, at Sha Tin.
"Again, I don't have a great appreciation of the value of his form, but I am encouraged that (French jockey) Christophe Lemaire stuck with him at his last three starts, over 1,600m and 1,800m. I have a feeling he will appreciate the step up in trip," he pointed out.
Satono Aladdin is a four-year-old entire by Deep Impact, formerly Japan's champion racehorse, now making his name as a stallion.
Damien Oliver, the 10-time Melbourne champion, makes his way to Hong Kong following a disappointing experience with Magic Artist, the German galloper, who was unplaced in Saturday's G1 Kingston Town Classic at Ascot, Perth (WA). "He didn't handle the (soft) ground," Oliver reported.
The race was won by the unbeaten filly Perfect Reflection, in the colours of leading Perth owner Bob Peters.
The G1 Champions Cup, run on dirt at Chukyo, Japan, went to six-year-old mare Sambista, a rank outsider ridden by Mirco Demuro for trainer Katsuhiko Sumii.
