BIG PAYDAY FOR ASTRO IN PERTH

What a great win by a great horse with a big heart.
It was a thrilling and much deserved win by Bennett Racing stable star The Astrologist in the inaugural 1.5mil Gr3 Gold Rush at Ascot on Saturday. Ridden beautifully by Willie Pike Astro jumped ok and ended up one out one back and travelled very well throughout the race. The big gelding always looked comfortable on the tricky Ascot track and responded instantly when Pike asked him to go on the home turn, looking strong down the straight and racing to the line holding off the late swoopers. Such an honest gutsy trier who never really gives up.
After a luckless 1st run in Perth in the Gr1 Winterbottom, The Astrologist was easy in the market and although recording his 1st win in over 13 months, he had in fact been placed in group/ stakes races in 5 of his last 13 runs which included a 2nd in the Gr1 Newmarket and 3rd Gr1 Goodwood.
In recording his 2nd Gr3 win Astro took his overall record to 33 starts 8 wins 4 2nds 8 3rds and took his prizemoney to an unbelievable $2,136,890.
Bred by Buttlers Rangal Park The Astrologist was a 150k Magic Millions Yearling purchase for Bennett Racing and who would have known at the time he would develop into such an honest, consistent top class galloper!
Special thanks to Malua Racing and also to Malua Foreman Neasham who travelled over with the gelding and has looked after him the whole time while in WA.
Well done to all owners in The Astrologist on the amazing ride he has taken you all on over 5 seasons of racing at the elite level,.