Astern leads Group Two Roman Consul market

Golden Rose winner Astern is odds-on favourite for the Group Two Roman Consul Stakes ahead of Capitalist.

Astern is at $1.60 to win Saturday’s $300,000 race over 1200m at Randwick while Capitalist is on the second line of betting at $3.50.

Astern’s only defeat came at the hands of Capitalist in the Golden Slipper, but since that race the pair’s standing has shifted.

Godolphin colt Astern has made a powerful return to racing as a three-year-old winning the Run To The Rose (1200m) before cruising to victory in the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) on September 10.

Capitalist failed in his first start since winning the Golden Slipper, finishing fourth of six runners in the Group Three San Domenico Stakes (1100m).

Co-trainer Peter Snowden said a soft track brought the colt undone in the San Domenico and he could scratch the horse from the Roman Consul in the event of a wet surface.

Godolphin opted to keep Astern in Sydney instead of heading south for the Caulfield Guineas after the horse had to be treated for an elevated temperature.

Heritage Stakes winner Guard Of Honour is the only other runner in single figures at $8.

Capitalist’s unbeaten stablemate Russian Revolution is a $13 hope while Winx’s half-brother El Divino is at $15.

In the Premiere Stakes (1200m), the other Group Two race at the meeting, English leads the market at $3.50.

The Les Bridge-trained Southern Legend is on the second line of betting at $6 ahead of The Shorts winner Takedown who is $8.

Ball Of Muscle and Under The Louvre are both $9.50 chances.

The Joe Pride-trained Ball Of Muscle is also entered in the Group One Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night and is rated at $13 in that race.