All-powerful: Aesterius breathes fire in Dragon Stakes burn up

A fortnight ago, he ran fifth to fellow Wathnan trainee Shareholder in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot – when he was actually second in the stands-side group, a short-head behind favourite Whistlejacket, well-away from (but only and length-and-a-half behind) Shareholder on the far side. Today, was Aesterius‘s time to shine, pulling powerfully to the front in the Listed Dragon Stakes at Sandown, with victory never in doubt.

This two-year-old event, over the five-furlong course at Sandown which runs across the infield of the main course, is a noted test of juvenile talent: in particular, potent precocity. First run in 1992, its most notable winners are Hoh Magic – who went on to win the Group 1 Prix Morny – and Havana Grey, later second in the Morny and now a superstar young stallion. Aesterius, named after a Greek god and with the looks to match, will possibly follow the path taken by both those horses, who stopped off at Goodwood for the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes en route to Deauville.

Trainer Archie Watson said in the winner’s enclosure, ‘Aesterius ran a huge race at Royal Ascot. Like a lot of the races there, it was a bit affected by the draw. He raced against Whistlejacket the whole way, but still ran a huge race. This was the obvious race with half an eye on Goodwood and he’s sharpened up. James [Doyle, jockey] was very happy but we’d have preferred something better to lead us into the race. James was trying to keep hold of him so he didn’t land in front three furlongs out! I’m sure he’ll improve again with a strong pace to aim at. My immediate thought is he’d travel well in a Molecomb.’