4 Victoria Wins in 24 Hours - Astari Shines

Making a perfect start to his career, Astari (3 g Starspangledbanner – Belzella, by Bel Esprit) recorded a debut victory in the A$32,000 Latrobe Valley Express Maiden 1100 metres on Saturday at Traralgon (Victoria).

Having run home well off a wide trip for second in a jump out on 20 October at Cranbourne, Astari was handily drawn in barrier four for jockey Lachlan King and appeared capable of commencing with a solid showing. 

Although caught wide after working forward in the early stages, Astari was able to secure cover near the 600m, angled clear turning for home, and sustained a strong finish to win.

On Good4 footing, Astari ran 1100 metres in smart time, 1:04.7, and paid $13.10 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote. 

Astari is by outstanding racehorse and sire Starspangledbanner (Choisir), sire of over 1500 wins, including 100 stakes wins, after winning the Caulfield Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), Golden Jubilee Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m), July Cup (Gr. 1, 1200m), and Oakleigh Plate (Gr. 1, 1100m). 

His dam, Belzella (Bel Esprit), won four times to 1200 metres and Group Three placed over 1000 metres, and Astari is her first to race.

Astari is owned by Mr S R Wicks, Mr C D Nichols, Mr R Crabbe, Mr S A Muirhead, Mr A K Cross, Mr H Mitchell, Mr P Michael, Mr J S Bock, Mr J R Date, Mr D G Evans, Mr D Inns, Mr A J Ladd, Mr C Adams, Mrs N Muley, Mr A Muley, Mr D A Nichols, Mr R J Schmidtke, Mr G J Trott, and Mr B J Roche.

“It’s great to win a race on Derby Day, which is a special day at all race meetings in Victoria, and it was a good ride by Lachlan (King) to put him in the race and get cover," said trainer Mark Walker.

“He’s a horse that has continued to improve in the stable and we think he’s the type of horse to go on with it. He’s only going to get better as he continues to mature and develop. 

“He’s done a great job to win on debut, finding the line like he did, and sure to take confidence from it.”

Astari was strapped by Cath Panozza.