Trainer Matt Smith has urged punters to forgive Astero’s last-start failure, insisting the gelding only needs to replicate his performance in the Civic Stakes to be a leading contender at Rosehill this weekend. Astero finished a strong third to Headley Grange at Listed level in June before a tough on-speed run saw him fade in the Winter Stakes.
Since that effort, Astero has been freshened up and trialled well, leaving Smith confident of a bold showing in Saturday’s NSW Jockeys Association Handicap (1300m). “He was up on the speed all the way last start and they went very hard, so he couldn’t finish off after a tough run,” Smith said. “His run prior to that was excellent, and if he can reproduce that form, he’ll be right in the race. He looks terrific after spending a couple of weeks at the farm and has really freshened up nicely.”
Astero boasts an impressive record on heavy ground, with three wins and three placings from 10 starts. He has also consistently performed well over Rosehill’s 1300-metre course, and early punters have supported him, backing him from $51 into $23.
While Astero will be Smith’s sole Rosehill runner on Saturday, stable star Headwall is keeping the trainer busy as he prepares for a Warwick Farm barrier trial on Friday. Headwall was one of the stars of the autumn, finishing in the placings in both the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and TJ Smith Stakes (1200m). Smith is hopeful the sprinter can return in top form and press for a coveted Everest slot.
“He is trialling next Friday and is going super,” Smith said. “The plan is to kick off in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) and then head to The Shorts (1100m) before deciding our next steps.”