Guineas hope Astor chasing the Gold trail
Astor’s standing in the threeyear-old fillies’ division will become clearer on Saturday.
The daughter of Iffraaj will face the sternest test of her brief career at Hastings when she contests the Group III Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).
‘‘We’re going to get a line on her and find out how good she is,’’ trainer Danica Guy said.
‘‘She’s up against better opposition and it’s a bigger field.’’
Raced by Gary Harding, Astor finished third on debut last spring and injury prevented her from reappearing until two months ago when she won at Hastings.
She made one subsequent outing in August when she led and proved too slick at Taupo over 1100m for the Group I performer Belle du Nord.
‘‘She’s definitely improved and I couldn’t be happier with her,’’ Guy said of her Group I gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) entry.
Astor is a $4 favourite for the Gold Trail Stakes ahead of the John Morell trained Florence Jean ($4.40) and the Emma-Lee and David Browne trained Belle du Nord who is at $6.
Chris Johnson has partnered Astor in both of her wins, but she will be handled by Leith Innes on Saturday.
‘‘Chris elected to ride at Riccarton where he’s got a full book and we’re happy to have Leith,’’ Guy said.
Innes will have to contend with barrier nine in the Gold Trail Stakes.
Astor will be accompanied to Hastings by Snapshot (Redshaw Memorial 1200m) and Capella (Hastings – Heart of Hawke’s Bay 1400).
‘‘Snapshot’s coat there and he’ll improve,’’ Guy said.
‘‘He’s more of a summer horse, although I have been really happy with him.
‘‘I’ve been treading water with Capella waiting for a decent track and it should suit her on Saturday.
‘‘I’ll be spacing her runs and she’ll head toward some nice races over Christmas.’’
Arraignment is also due to resume in the Bay Ford New Zealand Punter of the Year 7th October (1400m) off the back of a Te Teko trial success. is still not definitely