 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |  |
On the world stage, The Astrologist flew the flag for Australia and in doing so made trainer Troy Corstens and the entire nation proud.
In the Grp. 1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1200m on Dubai World Cup Night the Australian sprinter sped home to finish second in a gallant and close effort.
Ridden by Australian hoop Damian Lane the runner will use this run as a springboard to continue his international campaign.
“We were extremely proud of The Astrologist’s effort in the Al Quoz in Dubai.
“Damian (Lane) rode him extremely well and the horse did a fantastic job to be beaten so narrowly. It was a testament to the strength of Australian-bred sprinters and the ranks we have over here.
“I was very confident heading into the race that he would run a very solid race.
“He is a unique racehorse and we are very lucky that he possesses a rare attribute. He tries his hardest every time he hits the track.
“You know you are going to get 100% from him every time he jumps from the gates.”
 |
On arriving in Dubai, he prepared well impressing assistant trainer Dom Sutton after his performance in the Grp. 1 Newmarket Handicap in March.
“We were really looking forward to the challenge of the Al Quoz.
“The guys from the Dubai racing club rolled out the red carpet for us and we could not have felt more welcome.
“Such an extremely professional operation and our horse settled into the quarantine facility without issue.
“Once this happened, we knew that we would be a force to be reckoned with.”
The Zoustar progeny had plenty of competition from Al Suhail, the until then undefeated in the UAE Al Dasim, and Hong Kong sprinter Sight Success, Danyah however took the spoils.
Although he is getting on in age The Astrologist is now being readied for the next step on his campaign, as Corstens said.
“He may be 6 but apart from some feet issues he is a lovely sound horse and we expect him to be racing well for the next couple of years.
“He has now bid Dubai farewell and he has landed in the UK.
“We will be based in Newmarket for a 3 or 4 race preparation. We will kick off at York and that will take us into the Platinum Jubilee at Ascot on the final day.”
Away from him, the stable has some exciting types coming through who hopefully can follow in The Astrologist’s footsteps and perform around the globe.
“We have a very young team coming through at the moment.
“We are trying to develop the team so that we can get another two or three that will be good enough to come back to Dubai and compete well on the World Stage.”