Black-Type Victory for Astor (NZ)

Talented filly Astor (NZ) (Iffraaj), who cost $95,000 at the 2016 Select Sale, picked up the first black-type success of her young career with a powerful performance in Saturday’s $60,000 Listed Mufhasa FastTrack Stakes (1300m) at Ellerslie.

Astor had won three of her seven starts leading into the race, and she was second-best behind Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in the Group 3 Mongolian Khan Trophy (1200m) on Karaka Million night.

On Saturday it was Astor’s time to shine, leading from the start and turning back a determined home-straight challenge by Caesour’s Dream (NZ) (Nicconi) to win by a length and three-quarters.

“She’s got a very good turn of foot,” jockey Sam Collett said. “I wasn’t too worried when the other horse came up beside her – I knew she had plenty to offer. She found that second kick, like good horses do.”

Owned by Gary Harding, Astor has now had eight starts for four wins, three placings and more than $86,000 in prize-money.