Astern to run in Roman Consul Stakes

Astern will get his spring campaign back on track in the Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick after the star colt’s Caulfield Guineas hopes were dashed when he had to be treated from for a temperature.

The Golden Rose winner was the favourite for the Caulfield Guineas on October 8 but missed Saturday’s lead-up in the Prelude.

His position at the top of the market has been taken by his Godolphin-owned stablemate Impending, the winner of Saturday’s Stan Fox Stakes at Rosehill.

Trainer John O’Shea said Astern had returned to full work last week.

“He has fully recovered and returned to normal training at Osborne Park late last week,” O’Shea said on the Godolphin website.

“His next run will be in the Roman Consul and we’ll confirm his Melbourne plans after that.”

“I’d like to give him a look at the straight track at Flemington, but there are a few options to consider.”

Group One options in Melbourne include the Coolmore Stud Stakes for three-year-olds at Flemington on October 29 or the Darley Classic in open company at the same track a week later.

Stablemate Hartnell is already in Melbourne to prepare for next Sunday’s Group One Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

“He’s settled in well since arriving in Melbourne last week and it’s full-steam ahead for the Turnbull,” O’Shea said.

After the Turnbull, the Godolphin team will decide the next step for Hartnell with the options the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.

The Godolphin team will have Hauraki in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.

Hauraki goes to the Group One mile off the back of a second placing in the George Main Stakes won by Winx.

“It looks a nice race for him and we’re more than happy that he goes into the Epsom with a good chance,” O’Shea said.