3 minute read
Cody Cole celebrated the first black type success of his fledgling career when Astor showed her sprinting prowess at Ellerslie.
The Matamata trainer is in just his second season and the slick daughter of Iffraaj provided him with a memorable result on Saturday when she won the Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack Stakes (1300m).
“It’s amazing to have a horse of this quality so early,” Cole said.Raced by prominent owner Gary Harding, Astor finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Mongolian Khan Trophy (1200m) when resuming three runs back before she claimed an age group event on the Auckland course last month.
She was quickly into stride on Saturday to make the running under jockey Samantha Collett before Caesour’s Dream issued a stern challenge in the straight, but Astor rallied and eased clear in the closing 50m.“Sam does all the form in-depth so I just left things up to her,” Cole said.
“I’ll see how she comes through the race, but there is the Wellington Guineas, a Group Two race in two weeks, and the more black type the better.”Collett said Astor travelled comfortably in front and showed her fighting qualities when put under pressure.
“When she was challenged by Caesour’s Dream she found a kick and she was very impressive.“She’s got a bit of attitude about her and I think that’s what makes her so good. She’s very speedy and won’t get too much further.”
Caesour’s Dream was gallant in defeat and comfortably held second from Ladynadel with The Great Southern home in fourth after every chance.