3 minute read

Aesterius backed up his Longchamp success with a first Group 2 win in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.

The son of Mehmas started his juvenile career in May, with a Bath success over five furlongs and was not disgraced when one-and-a-half lengths behind fellow Wathnan Racing-owned Shareholder in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. He suffered defeat at the hands of the re-opposing Big Mojo at Glorious Goodwood and returned to winning ways when landing the five-furlong Group 3 Prix d'Arenberg at Longchamp in early September. 

Aesterius had things all his own way in the Doncaster contest, with jockey James Doyle able to make virtually all despite facing some competition from Big Mojo and favourite Magnum Force. The colt was forced to work hard from a furlong out, holding on for a neck success from Big Mojo, with Magnum Force a further one-and-a-quarter lengths behind. 

In an interview with ITV Racing, jockey James Doyle said: "He was always bang in the firing line, the whole team at Archie's and Archie himself, have done a great job with him. He's a typical breezing type, he wants to do it all in one breath. He is a horse that will go six (furlongs) but we've had to keep him to five (furlongs) and teach him how to do everything properly.

"[The Breeders' Cup] has been mentioned. He's got bags of toe, as we know, so that could be a possibility."