Astrid Awesome

Astrid (4 m Pins - Astralita, by Kenny's Best Pal) kept the Te Akau colours flying on Boxing Day - after boom colt Xtravagant (Pentire) had scored fresh up at Ellerslie - when she staved off an inquiry for victory in The Speight's Ale House Rating 75 1400 metres at Awapuni.

After crossing the line virtually in unison with stable-mate Opulent (Keeper), Astrid survived a protest from third placed Wills Road (Elusive City).

Away well to secure a lovely trip in the trail for jockey Dylan Turner, Astrid was made to sweat on a run in tight quarters once into the home straight and following a bumping duel she dived through for victory.

Having resumed with a dominant win over 1200 metres in October at Te Aroha, Astrid was left a massive task after being slowly away and incurring a check when finishing fourth last start at Wanganui, and despite being let go in the market to return $9.00 & $2.60 she appeared a strong each way chance.

“Rosie (Myers) tried to hold her (Astrid) in on Wills Road and Dylan (Turner) has gone to the line hands and heels and still took ground off Rosie who was able to hit her horse,” said Pam Gerard, from the course.

“It looks like Dylan might be charged with careless riding, which could be a bit harsh as it appeared like competitive riding by both jockeys.

“Dylan loved Astrid and said ‘she's tough'. I said to him beforehand that she would go through anything, so don't panic, and afterwards he said ‘you're right, she just puts her head through and goes, and I was clipping heels and everything and she just didn't falter',” said Gerard.

“She was ready to run,” said Gerard.

“And the other boy, Dylan (Mo) did an awesome job on Opulent. He got her into a beautiful position, probably got a bit anxious when coming around the corner on the wrong leg, and should have got her balanced up, but otherwise it was very good."

Astrid has now recorded three wins and two seconds from seven starts for the Te Akau Astrid Syndicate.

Bred by Joan Egan (part-owner), and Brent & Cherry Taylor at Trelawney Stud, Astrid was purchased for $80,000 by David Ellis from the Trelawney draft at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

Astrid is bred on a Star Kingdom line carried through Kaoru Star on both sides of her pedigree. Kaoru Star won 13 of his 27 starts and his speed influence made him leading first crop sire and twice champion juvenile sire in Australia.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz