Astern is making a case for being one to watch in the upcoming Golden Slipper, maintaining his unbeaten record and winning in fine fashion for trainer John O’Shea in the recent running of the 1100m Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.
Astern seemed to have plenty in reserve in taking the post. Strong performances by Defcon and Mount Panorama came out of the race with plenty of respect.
O’Shea appears to be riding the crest of an exceptional crop of juveniles and is expected to have multiple starters in the Golden Slipper on March 19. Astern is generating the most excitement, however, since he was sired by Medaglia D’ Oro, the same stallion responsible for last year’s Slipper winner Vancouver.
Astern jumped at $1.50 and made it to the line half a length ahead of $4.80 Defcon and Panorama was only three-quarters of a length further back despite missing the jump badly.
Astern will have his work cut out for him in the Slipper with Capitalist currently heading the field at $3.50.
Peter and Paul Snowden’s chestnut colt Capitalist is also undefeated with three wins. He has already returned almost $1.5 million in prize money after fetching $165,000 at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
