The Astrologist has an itch to scratch in Dubai
Co-trainer Troy Corstens has an itch with The Astrologist that he wants to scratch by tackling another international foray in the New Year.
The Astrologist will race on Australian soil for the first time since March when he lines up in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Tuesday.
Since running sixth in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington in March, The Astrologist finished second in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan two weeks later before a three-run campaign in the UK, culminating in running fifth at Royal Ascot in June.
“Ideally, I’d love to get another invite back to Dubai for the Al Quoz as there is an itch there that needs to be scratched,” Corstens, who trains in partnership with his father Leon, said.
The Astrologist returned to Australia in August and Corstens said it took a while for the gelding to reacclimatise to his former home.
“He arrived home and then he grew a winter coat as he didn’t know what the hell was going on,” Corstens said.
“That’s still coming out now, so he’s got really good improvement to come in the coat, but fitness wise he’s very good.
“But he is the type of horse that will take two or three runs to really hit his straps.
“He takes time to come right but once you get him to that certain level, he holds that for as long as you need him to stay up.”
Corstens said Tuesday’s race followed by the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on January 13 would determine The Astrologist’s path.
The trainer said by running second last year in Dubai he hoped would grant The Astrologist a return trip, but first the gelding needs to find his best form.
“If we got that (invite), that would be massive,” Corstens said.
“How we get there and what we do after the Standish, we’ll just take it as it comes.
“He’s been a great horse for the owners. He’s pocketed some good prize money and taken them on a world tour.”
Corstens has ruled out a return trip to the UK for Royal Ascot but said if a Dubai invite did eventuate then a trip home via Hong Kong for the Chairman’s Sprint Prize in April could be on the cards.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...
Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence. The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future...