Australian sprinter The Astrologist is set to make a splash at Sunday morning’s Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai, starting from barrier six. Trained by the father-son duo Leon and Troy Corstens, the galloper will be ridden by jockey Damian Lane, who has some strategic decisions to make given the outside barriers’ general preference down the Meydan straight.
Since arriving in Dubai, The Astrologist has impressed assistant trainer Dom Sutton, following a solid performance in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap on March 11. The Zoustar progeny completed his main work on Tuesday, taking in the majestic Meydan grandstand.
Other contenders in the race include Al Suhail, jumping from barrier two, Al Dasim from barrier eight, and Hong Kong sprinter Sight Success drawing barrier 13. Several Australian VIPs attended the barrier draw, such as media personality Eddie McGuire, politician Denis Napthine, and Racing Victoria’s ex-General Manager of Racing Greg Carpenter.
In the US$12m Dubai World Cup (2000m), defending champion Country Grammer will face a challenge from gate 14, leaving jockey Frankie Dettori with plenty of work in his farewell tour. Meanwhile, Japanese star Panthalassa will jump from barrier 15, with compatriots Cafe Pharoah (10), Geoglyph (9), and Ushba Tesoro (7) closely drawn.
Damian Lane will also ride Japanese galloper Crown Pride from barrier 12 in this thrilling race.
