Heavy conditions made to order for in form Astero
Trainer Matt Smith has told punters to ignore Astero’s disappointing last run, confident the gelding can rediscover his best form at Rosehill on Saturday. Astero was an impressive third in the Civic Stakes before fading in the Winter Stakes after working hard on speed throughout.
“He had a tough run last start. They went too hard and he just couldn’t finish it off,” Smith said. “His Civic Stakes run was excellent and if he can replicate that effort, he’ll be right in the finish. He’s freshened up beautifully and looks fantastic.”
A wet track is unlikely to pose a problem for Astero, who has three wins and three placings from 10 starts on heavy ground. The eight-year-old is also proven over the Rosehill 1300m and has firmed in betting from $51 to $23 ahead of the NSW Jockeys Association Handicap.
Smith is also preparing exciting sprinter Headwall for a return to racing. The autumn star, who placed in both the Newmarket Handicap and TJ Smith Stakes, is on track to trial at Warwick Farm next week. Smith has earmarked the Concorde Stakes and The Shorts as his first two runs as connections aim to secure a spot in The Everest.
“He’s trialling next Friday and going really well,” Smith said. “If he returns in the same form, he’ll definitely be staking a claim for an Everest slot.”
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