Juvenile Astrologer has already exceeded expectations and co-trainer Peter Snowden hopes he can continue to surprise them as he marches towards the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast.
The colt made an eye-catching debut when he ran home for third behind Shaquero in the Breeders’ Plate at Randwick in October.
He has since been given a short break and tuned up for his return in the Listed Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1100m) on Wednesday with a recent barrier trial win.
“He surprised me a bit by how well he went at his first start so I’ll keep an open book on him,” Snowden said.
“I hope he keeps on surprising me. I was really pleased with his first up run, there was a lot of merit in the effort.”
Astrologer has drawn barrier 13 in the field of 14 plus five emergencies but with rain forecast, Snowden says the wide gate might be advantageous.
He will monitor the weather and make a final decision on Wednesday morning in regards to whether Astrologer will run.
The youngster also holds a nomination for the two-year-old race at Randwick on Saturday.
By first season sire Star Turn, Astrologer was a $300,000 yearling purchase for James Harron and Snowden is hoping he can work his way into next month’s rich Magic Millions Classic.
“Everything points to there. That’s our main goal so we need to be running well tomorrow,” Snowden said.
The Snowdens have several two-year-olds in the mix for a trip to the Gold Coast, including Golden Gift placegetter Mura Mura.
“She should work her way into the race and we’ve got a few two-year-olds trialling on Friday that are ready to race,” Snowden said.
“We’ve still got a month to go and a lot can change in a month. You’ve only got to win one by a big margin and you’re in.”
The Snowdens also have Barbaric poised to resume in the Magic Millions Wyong 3YO and 4YO Stakes (1200m) as a stepping stone to the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).
The colt jarred up after he won the Black Opal Stakes at Canberra in March but has pleased the stable since returning to work.
Snowden said Barbaric would run at Wyong provided the track didn’t tip into the heavy range.
