First Stakes Success for The Astrologist
Widden Stud’s flagship sire Zoustar has had a sensational year and posted his 12th Australian stakes-winner this season when tough sprinter The Astrologist scored his first Black Type success in the Listed VRC Furphy Sprint Series Final (1200m) at Flemington ion Saturday.
Trained by Leon and Troy Corstens, The Astrologist had his first two runs back from a spell in Brisbane where he ran well in Black Type races for fifth and fourth before returning to Victoria to win at Flemington last month.
The four year-old gelding turned in a career best performance to lead all the way as favourite under Damien Thornton to win by half a length taking his overall record to six wins and five placings from 17 starts with prizemoney topping $584,000.
“He’s such a tough and honest character and that’s all you can ask in a racehorse. Two very good attributes to have,” said Troy Corstens.
“Damien’s really clicked with him and he’s done a fantastic job.
“He’s a funny horse. He looks like a drunken sailor coming down the straight but he just keeps going. He doesn’t know how to stop and sprint but he just keeps going that one pace and it gets the rest off the bridle.”
A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Goodwood Farm draft for Bennett Racing/McEvoy Mitchell Racing P/L, The Astrologist started his career with Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
Bred by Rangal Park Stud in Victoria, The Astrologist is the best of three winners from Aquada, a placed Flying Spur daughter of stakes-winner Freestyle.
The Astrologist is the 23rd stakes-winner for Zoustar, who stands at a fee of $154,000 this spring.
