Oldtimer set to resume in 2025 The Straight Six at Flemington

The Astrologist returns to racing this Saturday in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington, with recent throat surgery raising hopes that the durable gelding can prolong his career at the top level.

Now a rising nine-year-old, The Astrologist will line up for his 52nd start under the training of Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin. The gelding had the procedure after running midfield at the Melbourne Cup Carnival last spring.

Troy Corstens said the horse’s breathing has significantly improved.

“He would trot, and canter and he would make a noise, so we have given him throat surgery, and his breathing is the best it has ever been,” Corstens said.

“But with that he picks up viruses here and there.

“We’ve had a few problems with him with sickness, and that sort of stuff, so we’ve had to nurse him through it.

“However, he had won almost $3 million with a breathing issue all his life, but it was getting progressively worse.

“So, we thought we may as well try it as if we retired him, he would sit in a paddock for 20 years and we would never know.

“Nathan (Bennett) was good enough and the owners to give it a crack, so we’ll see how it goes.

“He’s an older horse now but he’s an absolute pleasure to have around the stable and he’s done a terrific job for us.”

The Astrologist had an international campaign in 2023, running second in Dubai and later appearing at Royal Ascot. His last win was in Perth in December 2022.

Corstens is curious to see how the horse performs first-up after a strong but short 800m jump-out at Flemington on May 9.

“It was a very fast trial, and he’s just looking like he wants a bit of ground now,” he said.

“It will be interesting to see if the 1200 metres will be a little bit too short for him.

“He’s never at his best first-up, he always races better as he gets into his preparation, but he’s very sound, he can breathe, and I’m really interested to see what he can do.”

Marble Nine will also represent the stable, returning to Flemington after a win at Bendigo and a solid effort in the Wangoom Handicap (1200m).

“He’s a funny horse,” Corstens said.

“He loves soft ground but when the rain came before the race, he didn’t like that, so hopefully it should be perfect for him on Saturday.”

Explore the latest odds on The Astrologist and Marble Nine via top Australian betting sites.