Ron Dufficy’s Randwick snapshot: Astern stamps himself as leading Golden Slipper contender

ASTERN stamped himself as a leading Golden Slipper contender with a commanding debut win for the run of the day.

Photographer: Simon Bullard. RACE 1 SURF MEETS TURF PLATE (2YO) - 1000M. Winner 'Astern' ridden by James McDonald.

RUN OF THE DAY

Astern stamped himself as a leading Golden Slipper contender with a commanding debut win.

This good looking colt is held in high regard by the Godolphin team and after being softened up early he showed good quality stretching out in good style.

FORGET THEY RAN

You can forgive any horse on the day near the rail as it wasn’t the place to be. Promising Scone four-year-old Clearly Innocent had legitimate excuses after having no luck at all in the TAB Highway Handicap. He will be bouncing back in a similar type race in the near future.

THE BLACK BOOK

Canberra mare Northern Fury appeared to have every chance but in the parade she looked very soft and got a bit warm in the Highway race. She is a real improver who will come on leaps and bounds with another run or two under her belt. Keep tabs on her, she is above average.

RIDE OF THE DAY

James McDonald stole the show with four winners and he kept finding the right lane all day. There were no real standout brilliant rides among his quartet, more it was his professionalism of reading the play of the day while some of his rivals were still pondering where to steer.

Originally published as Ron Dufficy’s Randwick snapshot: Astern stamps himself as leading Golden Slipper contender