3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes following the Furphy All Victorian Sprint Series Final won by The Astrologist at Flemington on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: The Astrologist (D Thornton/L & T Corstens) - $4.40F
2nd: Banquo (D Lane/D O'Brien) - $5.50
3rd: William Thomas (M Dee/J Price) - $11
Winning Time: 1:10.67 Last 600m: 34.23
Margins: ½L x ¾L
Winning Trainer: Leon & Troy Corstens
"He's such a tough and honest character and that's all you can ask in a racehorse. Two very good attributes to have.
"Damien's really clicked with him and he's done a fantastic job.
"He's a funny horse. He looks like a drunken sailor coming down the straight but he just keeps going. He doesn't know how to stop and sprint but he just keeps going that one pace and it gets the rest off the bridle."
Queensland trip: "Clearly he had some good runs up there and got him very fit. I think coming back, just dropping him back in grade it was just a good plan that really came off.
"We wanted to keep going up there but he just wasn't quite good enough to go where we want him to go. Came back, just dropped him back a peg. He's really handled the trip well.
"I think it was fantastic (for the horse) spending time in Queensland during the winter, that's for sure.
"I've got no issues with him still running 1400 metres. He still keeps going. We'll see where we're going and what we'll want to do. He's a pleasure to have in the stable."
Winning Jockey: Damien Thornton
"I probably learned a little bit about him this time, too. I was a bit steadier on him last time over 1100 (metres) and he just kept building and he was tough late.
"I thought I'll do that and start at the half-mile this time. I learnt from my first ride how tough he is and he was great.
"I thought Banquo had me on toast there inside the 100 (metre mark) and I knew we were in the fight. But it had a reputation of not quite getting there. It was a really good win, toughed it out and he's obviously on the up."