Ad Astra out to break maiden status
Trainer Michael Hickmott is hoping for a change of luck this Saturday as his promising filly Ad Astra continues to battle against unfavorable barrier draws.
Set to contest the Sportsbet Fast Form Maiden Plate (1000m) on the Morphettville Parks track, Ad Astra has once again landed a wide gate. However, Hickmott remains optimistic that with the right run, she can finally break through for a well-deserved victory.
Reflecting on her early career, Hickmott believes that if things had fallen into place, Ad Astra could already be a ‘Black Type’ winner, including a potential victory in the Adelaide edition of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
“She just hasn’t had any luck with barriers,” Hickmott said.
“She was probably unlucky not to have won at her first start and then possibly in the Magic Millions as well.
“Once again, she’s drawn nine of nine on Saturday at the Parks and she’ll need some luck early, but I think she is capable of bouncing back.”
After finishing second on debut in the Listed Cinderella Stakes (1050m), Ad Astra was sent for a spell before returning in a 1200m maiden at Moonee Valley in December.
However, another tough draw saw her trapped wide, and post-race, she was diagnosed with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), requiring veterinary clearance before racing again.
Following treatment, Ad Astra showed promising signs in a recent 1000m trial at Strathalbyn on January 28, giving Hickmott confidence in her upcoming run.
“We had to treat her, but she’s been back here and has been good,” Hickmott said.
“Subsequently, her trial was fantastic, and she had a soft jump-out last week, so I’m looking forward to seeing her bouncing back.”
Hickmott’s stable has been in red-hot form, securing four wins from its last six runners, including a double at Oakbank on Thursday.
Alongside Ad Astra, Hickmott will saddle up Rabtat in the Croser Handicap (1950m), while Exalted Fire and Lake’s Folly resume in the Sportsbet Handicap (1250m).
His stable will also be represented at Flemington, with Fancify set to contest the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m).
More Racing News
Waller's colt Somethings Burnin' targets Flemington success
Trainer Chris Waller boasts an impressive collection of talented colts in his stable.While four of these colts are set to compete in the Run To The Rose at Rosehill this Saturday, his three-year-old colt team is dispersed across Flemington's offerings, including the Poseidon Stakes (1100m) and the Michael Moroney (1400m).The...
Poseidon Stakes: A battle of class versus tenacity awaits
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are set to field two colts in the upcoming Poseidon Stakes at Flemington, with eyes firmly set on more significant spring engagements.The 1100-metre dash down the Flemington straight on Saturday is being viewed as a potential launchpad for races like the Danehill Stakes (1100m)...
She's A Hustler's Makybe Diva Stakes prospects look brighter
Trainer Grahame Begg is optimistic that She's A Hustler has moved past any lingering fatigue from her previous battles with Pride Of Jenni as the mare heads towards Flemington.The mare, She's A Hustler, is set to contest the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on Saturday, and Begg is relieved...
Tulloch Lodge juveniles aiming for spring success
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are preparing to field six runners at Rosehill, with five contesting stakes races, including a strong quartet of three-year-olds looking to make their mark this spring.The Golden Rose aspirations of Plagiarism and Revengeance will be put to the test in the Run To The Rose...
Castillo King faces tough Run To The Rose draw
Just under two months after his debut race, Castillo King is slated to compete against the elite of his age group in the Run To The Rose. Jockey Tommy Berry is optimistic about the colt's chances, contingent on a key factor.For the 1200m sprint this Saturday, the Michael Freedman-trained three-year-old...
Streisand set for Flemington reappearance
After an intense debut racing season, Streisand is poised for her return at Flemington.The filly, who claimed the Blue Diamond Stakes, will race for the first time as a three-year-old in the Group 3 Cap D'Antibes Stakes (1100m) this Saturday.This event is scheduled as the first of three spring outings...
Flemington hosts Shockletz's Melbourne Cup bid
A comprehensive 12-month plan is in motion for Shockletz, orchestrated by the Ciaron Maher stable, with hopes of a significant payoff at Flemington.The esteemed 2026 Melbourne Cup has been a long-term ambition for the daughter of the Cup-winning stallion Shocking.To be a contender, Shockletz must first earn her spot, and...
Tenenbaum's spring campaign set to launch in Ming Dynasty Quality
With considerable depth in the three-year-old ranks this season, Tenenbaum has largely remained under the radar.However, jockey Chad Schofield is not expecting this to persist, beginning with Saturday's Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill.Schofield guided the Snitzel colt to a strong first-up win at Canterbury, where he tracked the speed...
Steel Will aims for Flemington success mirroring his sister
Trainer Chris Waller is hoping Steel Will can follow in the hoofprints of his sibling as the three-year-old colt prepares for his Melbourne debut at Flemington.Having won his last two races, Steel Will is slated to contest the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes over 1100 metres this Saturday.Steel Will's older half-sister,...
Holder's sights set on Wylie Handicap aboard Watchme Win
Jason 'Stubby' Holder, fresh off his fourth John Letts Medal triumph, is eager to lend his signature energy to securing the Listed W H Wylie Handicap at Morphettville on Saturday.At 52 years old, Holder remains a leading force in South Australian racing, having recently claimed the state's coveted stewards-voted award...