In his five career starts, Astern has just one black mark, an unplaced effort in the Golden Slipper, on an otherwise perfect record.
The three-year-old colt's fourth win came at his seasonal debut in Saturday's $175,000 Group II MTA Run To The Rose Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Winner of the Group II Silver Slipper over the impressive Defcon back in February, Astern rounded out his juvenile season by sharing the spoils with El Divino in the Group III Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick on April 2.
El Divino was among his opponents again on Saturday. The half-brother to Winx led them up but the heavily backed favourite Star Turn always seemed to have his measure.
When the handsome son of Star Witness hit the front he looked all over the winner.
Then James McDonald weaved between runners on Astern to hook up in an enthralling battle that was only settled when the judge semaphored the son of Medaglia d'Oro the winner by a long-head over Star Turn with the winner's stablemate Impending (Lonhro) three and a half lengths back in third. (Photo Steve Hart)
"At this
"You've got to draw well and have those lovely James McDonald rides.
Bookmakers reacted quickly by making Astern the $4.60 favourite for the $1 million Group I Golden Rose (1400m) to be run at Rosehill on September 10.
McDonald backed his judgement by opting for Astern, one of four runners in the race for Godolphin.
"He's the king of the castle," McDonald said. "He's the real deal.
"I've always had a soft spot for him. He just gives you the feel of an outstanding galloper.
"I'm glad I trialled him because wow, he just gave me some feel. I haven't had a horse move so well.
"If he can run 1400m, he's got a good chance in the Golden Rose."
Bred by Darley, Astern is the third foal and third winner out of the Exceed And Excel mare Essaouira who won on debut at Moonee Valley before finishing unplaced in a Listed race at Caulfield to bring her race career to an end
The daughter of Exceed And Excel is the only foal left in Australia by the Group II Magic Night Stakes winner Alizes who was sent to America by Darley Stud.
By the speed influence Rory's Jester, Alizes is a daughter of the Group 1 Galaxy Stakes heroine La Baraka (Euclase) herself out of the 5-time Group 1 winner Triscay.
Essaouira has a 2yo filly by Sepoy named Alizee and a yearling filly by Animal Kingdom (USA). She was bred back to Brazen Beau last spring.
