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| Staff Writer |
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Troy Corstens, the co-trainer, is eager to satisfy his desire for The Astrologist by venturing into the international arena once again in the coming New Year.
After a hiatus of several months, The Astrologist is set to compete on Australian soil as he prepares to participate in the Listed Christmas Stakes at Caulfield next Tuesday.
After placing sixth in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March, The Astrologist went on to secure second place in the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan just two weeks later. Following this success, he embarked on a three-run campaign in the UK, culminating in a fifth-place finish at Royal Ascot in June.
“Ideally, I’d love to get another invite back to Dubai for the Al Quoz as there is an itch there that needs to be scratched,” Corstens, who trains in partnership with his father Leon, said.
The Astrologist arrived back in Australia in August. According to Corstens, it took some time for the gelding to readjust to his former home.
“He arrived home and then he grew a winter coat as he didn’t know what the hell was going on,” Corstens said.
“That’s still coming out now, so he’s got really good improvement to come in the coat, but fitness wise he’s very good.
“But he is the type of horse that will take two or three runs to really hit his straps.
“He takes time to come right but once you get him to that certain level, he holds that for as long as you need him to stay up.”
On Tuesday's race followed by the Gr.3 Standish Handicap, trainer Corstens stated that The Astrologist's path would be determined. The trainer expressed hope that by running second last year in Dubai, The Astrologist would qualify for a return trip. However, the priority right now is to get the gelding back in his best form.
“If we got that (invite), that would be massive,” Corstens said.
“How we get there and what we do after the Standish, we’ll just take it as it comes.
“He’s been a great horse for the owners. He’s pocketed some good prize money and taken them on a world tour.”
Trainer Corstens has stated that a return trip to the UK for Royal Ascot is not on the cards. However, if The Astrologist receives an invitation for Dubai, then there is a possibility of a trip to Hong Kong for the Chairman's Sprint Prize in April.