Poor barriers have conspired against Ad Astra in her brief career to date, but trainer Michael Hickmott is hopeful of a change of fortune on Saturday.
Ad Astra has again drawn poorly in the Sportsbet Fast Form Maiden Plate (1000m) on the Morphettville Parks track, but with some luck on her side Hickmott believes the filly can get the job done.
Hickmott said with a little luck going Ad Astra’s way, the filly could already be a ‘Black Type’ winner and victorious in the Adelaide version of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
“She just hasn’t had any luck with barriers,” Hickmott said.
“She was probably unlucky not to have won at her first start and then possibly in the Magic Millions as well.
“Once again, she’s drawn nine of nine on Saturday at the Parks and she’ll need some luck early, but I think she is capable of bouncing back.”
After those two starts as a two-year-old, which included a debut second in the Listed Cinderella Stakes (1050m), Ad Astra was put away for a break and made her return in a maiden over 1200m at Moonee Valley in December.
Again, a poor draw conspired against the filly, but Ad Astra was diagnosed with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), post-race requiring a veterinary clearance before racing again.
Ad Astra trialled over 1000m at Strathalbyn on January 28, an effort that pleased Hickmott.
“We had to treat her, but she’s been back here and has been good,” Hickmott said.
“Subsequently her trial was fantastic, and she had a soft jump-out last week, so I’m looking forward to seeing her bouncing back.”
The Hickmott stable is in form at present, with four winners from its last six runners, including a double at Oakbank on Thursday.
Hickmott also has Rabtat contesting the Croser Handicap (1950m) along with Exalted Fire and Lake’s Folly who are resuming in the Sportsbet Handicap (1250m).
He also has Fancify running in the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
