But according to Melbourne co-trainer Troy Corstens, it was the undoing of The Astrologist in last fortnight’s G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
The Astrologist ran eighth of 16 from barrier two in the Winterbottom Stakes and Corstens believes a lack of racing room in the straight played against the six-year-old.
The Astrologist gets another chance to show his wares in Perth when he contests the inaugural running of the G3 The Tabtouch-Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.
The Astrologist meets nine of the same rivals from the Winterbottom in the Gold Rush, where he ran ahead of ahead of Stageman, Titan Blinders, Red Can Man, Miss Conteki and Massimo.
Corstens, who trains out of Flemington with his dad Leon, expects a bounce back performance from The Astrologist in the Gold Rush and says barrier five will be the help he needs.
“We thought we had the ideal gate in the Winterbottom and it really hindered us in the end,” Corstens said on Tabradio.
“He couldn’t get a clear crack at them and is one of those horses that needs to wind up and get into gear and in a real dog fight.
“He didn’t get a chance to do that in the Winterbottom, but I think he’ll get that chance.
“Gate five will suit.”
A son of Zoustar, the dual black-type winner has yet to record a win in the current calendar year, but he has placed on five occasions including twice at G1 level.
The Astrologist was runner-up in the Newmarket (1200m) and finished third to Lombardo in The Goodwood (1200m) in Melbourne and Adelaide respectively.
The Astrologist has seven wins from 32 starts to his record, with six of those victories between 1100m and 1200m and one at 1400m.
The Astrologist hasn’t raced over 1400m since his fifth in the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast nearly two years ago.
With a lack of racing over 1400m, Corstens doesn’t believe The Astrologist has a query hanging over his head at the trip.
“No, not all,” Corstens said.
“I’m looking forward to getting him out to the 1400m.
“It’s just the opportunity hadn’t presented as yet.
“I’m really looking forward to what he does on Saturday.”
Vilana ($4.40) holds Tabtouch favouritism, just ahead of Kissonallforcheeks at $4.80 in the Gold Rush.
The Astrologist is rated a $13 chance.
William Pike retains the ride on The Astrologist.
Vilana, who missed the Winterbottom Stakes with a minor leg complaint, must pass a vet test on Friday after showing signs of a foot abscess after a track gallop on Tuesday.
