Exciting pup Astrophysic">Astrophysic’s chances of claiming a first major title in tonight's Group 3 Mandurah Mail Birthday Cup (405m) could be decided in the opening seconds.
That’s the verdict from trainer Paul Stuart ahead of the $25,000-to-the-winner race, which features a strong roster of WA sprinters.
Astrophysic jumps from box four and with 11 wins and two placings from his 13 starts he will be a strong favourite.
He can be a slow starter, though, and Stuart believes that could be fatal in this high-class company.
“We’ll know after the first ten metres or so if he has chance,” Stuart said.
“The dog in five (Majestic Gem) can be quick early on and my bloke is not the fastest out of the boxes. He can be tardy and you cannot afford to do that.
“He is capable of excellent second sectionals and his middle speed is great.
“If he runs at his best he has a chance.”
A son of Cosmic Rumble x Right On Ruby, Astrophysic’s fine record has established him as one of the country’s most promising young sprinters.
He Generally seems to clock around the 22.50 mark wherever he jumps from ands is being worked well through the grades.
“His consistency is his best thing,” Stuart said.
“He has a best of around 22.40 but I hope in time he can shave a bit off that.
“This is the hardest race he has faced and a nice little test to see how good he is.”
Stuart also has Sialia, who has a best time of 22.45, jumping from box one in the final.
The main threat here looks like Last Day (box seven), who has won his last four starts.
An experienced campaigner with 25 victories from 55 races, he recorded the best heat time of 22.49 and is from the in-form kennel of Christine and David Robartson.
Meanwhile, Stuart said he is still hoping to bring two of his other promising newcomers, Tureaud and Quartz Bale, over to Wentworth Park for the Golden Easter Egg heats in March.
Tureaud recently finished fourth in the Silver Chief Classic semi-finals, while Quartz Bale had an unsuccessful tilt at both the Hobart Thousand and Silver Chief races.
Both look fine prospects and Stuart believes both will be well-suited to the Wentworth Park track.
For Mandurah Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
