Astern's first Northern Hemisphere foal has shades of Medaglia d'Oro

Press Release
Photo: Courtesy of Darley

The first reported Northern Hemisphere foal by Astern was born on Jan. 10 at Lyn Burleson’s Burleson Farm. Bred by Jack Sims (McKenzie Bloodstock), the filly is out of the 6-year-old mare Desperate Chick.

Lyn Burleson commented, “We are very excited about our Astern filly. She has Medaglia d’Oro written all over her.”

Darley nominations manager, Darren Fox, said, “We were already delighted with the early preview we received with Astern’s first Australian foals last fall, and if this first foal is any indication, we will be very pleased with his crop here as well.”

Astern, who raced in the royal blue silks of Godolphin, shuttles from Darley’s Kelvinside Farm in New South Wales, Australia. He will be standing his second year in 2019 at Darley’s Jonabell farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Astern is the highest-rated son of leading stallion Medaglia d'Oro and is also rated the best-ever winner of the Golden Rose (G1), Australia’s top seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds, and the Australian equivalent of Saratoga’s Allen Jerkens (G1).

During his juvenile campaign, he broke his maiden on debut and captured the Silver Slipper Stakes (G2) at Rosehill and the Kindergarten Stakes (G3) at Randwick. Astern returned in brilliant form at three to land both the Run To The Rose (G2) and the aforementioned Golden Rose at Rosehill. He also ran solid seconds in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (G1) at Flemington and the Roman Consul (G2) at Randwick.

Astern, whose dam is by top international sire Exceed And Excel, is a half-sister to Alizee who has now recorded victories in the Flight Stakes (G1) and the Queen of the Turf Stakes (G1), in addition to the 2-year-old Tassort, the current favorite for the 2019 Golden Slipper (G1).

Astern retired with five wins from nine starts and earnings of AUS$1,179,550 (U.S.$884,734). His 126 Timeform rating makes him Medaglia d’Oro’s top-rated son in either hemisphere.

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