Astrology: cut across the board for Derby following impressive Dee victory
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Astrology stars in Dee Stakes romp at Chester
Report: Chester, Friday
Stobart Barristers Dee Stakes (Group 3) (colts and geldings) 1m2½f
ASTROLOGY slammed his three rivals as he put masses of daylight between himself and the others to land this Derby trial in a convincing manner.
The Galileo colt was sent off the 11-10 favourite in the absence of Bonfire and his supporters never had a moment's worry as he made all the running under Joseph O'Brien to give his father Aidan a thirdwin in this race.
Sent into an immediate lead, Astrology soon had his rivals hard at work with Uriah Heep the first to crack as they turned into the back straight before he proved to be too much for Kingsdesire with Oxford Charley keeping on for second place, 11 lengths behind the winner.
The winning jockey said: "He went a nice pace all the way and stayed well. He was in front a long time on his own and was then getting a bit idle."
Although BetVictor quoted Astrology at 16-1 for the Derby, Ladbrokes thought the St Leger a more likely target making him a 10-1 chance for that race and not quoting him for Epsom.
His trainer said: "We were delighted with that. He is a lovely horse, a typical Galileo. He is a sweet mover and he progressed well over the winter.
"He didn't have any problem with the trip and you would imagine he would stay further."
O'Brien has a typically strong hand in the upcoming Classics and he said of Astrology: "All those races are open to him."
Oxford Charley's trainer Mikael Magnusson said: "He didn't like the ground. He is still a bit weak and Kieren said he will be a lovely four-year-old. He is in all kind of races and I will take him home and have a look but he won't go for the French Derby."
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