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Astrospeed makes it on his third try as he finally crossed the winning post ahead of the field in the $65,000 Initiation race over 1200m on Friday.
The Murtojill two-year-old had an inauspicious introduction to the world of racing when his debut run at the IRT Juvenile Stakes Open race over 1200m on May 3 ended with him propping up the entire field of 12, a good 29 lengths behind the winner, sprint sensation Super One.
His next race was an improvement, but was too far off the pace at the top of the straight to make a difference, eventually only managing to come in seventh in the field of 12, three lengths off Brian Dean’s winner Dash Of Class.
Trainer Michael Clements was glad that Astrospeed has finally shown some semblance of the potential so many have seen in him.
“He had a sluggish first start and did not show much pace in his trial either,” said Clements.
“Craig Newitt told me after his last ride that this horse has lots of promise but is still very green and needs more racing experience to show his true ability.
“In his last race, he was too far back to make an impact. This time round, he stayed much closer to the pack when coming into the straight so perhaps that is why he was able to finish so strongly.
Jumping from a wide gate, Astrospeed was caught up in the middle of the pack as the early lead was taken up by Dominy (Zawari Razali) with Picasso (Zuriman Zulkifli) in close attendance.
The Nooresh Juglall piloted Astrospeed remained bunched up in the middle of the field until they negotiated the final turn. The Australian-bred continued to hang onto the coattails of the leaders and in the last 200m, displayed an impressive turn of foot to threaten for the lead.
The finish was close but the juvenile from Uni Stable just pipped his rivals to the post to win in a time of 1min 10.24secs. Picasso came in a head behind, with Dominy a further three quarters of a length away.
Nooresh was suitably impressed by Astrospeed’s win but feels more work is needed to bring out the best in him.
“He is definitely a smart horse for the future,” said the Mauritian hoop.
“I feel he is maturing now as he races more but he is still a little green in his running.
“He ran a nice race for me even though he got a bad draw. It was impressive the way he turned it on in the straight."
Clements feels the gelding will need a longer trip to really show his true worth.
“He has shown a lot of promise in his trackwork and he seems to be crying out for more distance,” shared the Zimbabwean conditioner.
“In his next race we will step him up to 1400m.”
Clements would also like to dedicate the win to the memory of his father John Clements, who sadly passed away this morning.
"This win is for my father John, who passed away in England this morning. I trained winners for him as an owner of mine in Zimbabwe and he has always been a keen supporter of my racing stables in Singapore."
