Despite a tardy start, the 2-year-old Tassort colt Astapor had little trouble keeping his record at a perfect two for two in Saturday’s Select Fire Systems Plate (1100m) at Doomben.
Ridden by Justin Stanley for Clinton Taylor, Astapor settled in a perfect stalking spot behind the talented Kobayashi filly Mishani Ego. When asked for the supreme effort at the 200m mark, the son of Tassort extended to defeat Mishani Ego by a widening three lengths.
The Sun City filly Mishani Eclipse was a further two lengths back in third in the 5-horse field.
Astapor was sent off an odds-on favourite off the back of his near 5-length romp at his career debut at Rockhampton on November 10.
“We have always had a bit of a wrap on this horse, and it’s been a massive team effort,” Clinton Taylor said.
“He has a real presence about him. He looks very smart but is still learning his trade as he does not know what it’s all about.
“We will go home and assess where we go next.
“We went to the sales, but I can’t take much credit. Rodney Hay (owner) is a massive supporter of Queensland racing and deserves a good horse like this. He selected this horse and gave him to me to train.”
A $38,000 Magic Millions Book 2 purchase from Telemon Thoroughbreds for Livistona Grazing Company, Astapor is the first winner for the Eagle Farm winner Black Mink, a winning Lonhro daughter of stakes-winner Jasminka.
Purchased by Telemon Thoroughbreds for $45,000 at the 2021 National Broodmare Sale when carrying Astapor, Black Mink has a yearling colt by Sidestep and was covered by Cosmic Force last spring.
Newgate Farm’s first-season Tassort burst from the blocks, with three winners from five runners, a feat only equalled by Yulong’s exciting Alabama Express.
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