Astride shows that touch of class at Bathurst

The run of success enjoyed by Somebeachsomewhere in major harness racing events in Australia over the last 18 months shows no sign of slowing down with Astride the latest to claim a classic race.

Bred and raced by Emilio and Mary Rosati, Astride is a typical Somebeachsomewhere in that he looks more like a three year old than a two year old. 

Being a December foal has meant being patient with Astride and Belinda McCarthy didn't line him up until the end of January.

A couple of seconds started his career, one of them in the $31,800 Sapling Stakes and they showed that the ability was there and a bit of ring craft would lift him even further.

A stylish win in his Bathurst Heat in a very smart 1:54.8 mile rate got every ones attention and after Astride drew four in the $102,000 Alabar Gold Crown Final, he was quickly made the favourite for the final.

Three wide for the first 400 metres as driver Luke McCarthy let him mooch around to the lead without burning too much petrol, Astride settled beautifully in front for Luke and when Luke asked Astride for more as they turned for home, the colt quickly put a length on his rivals and held that advantage with ease as he went down to the winning post.

Wardan Express in the hands of Amanda Turnbull had trailed Astride the whole way and managed to hold second from a fast finishing Bettor Be Gold in the hands of trainer/driver John McCarthy.

Astride paced the 1730 metres in 2:05.1, a mile rate of 1:56.4 with closing sectionals of 57.2 and 27.2

The maternal family of Astride has plenty of depth to it with the dam of Astride being the Art Major mare in Pearl Stride who won five from eight before injury halted her career.

Pearl Stride is a full sister to the very smart Art Major filly in Spicy Stride 1:52.8 ($184,305) so it is little wonder that Astride is as smart as he is.

It is really good to see the Rosatis get some reward for the massive investment they continue to pour into the harness racing industry and in Astride they have a horse that should give them plenty of thrills in the next few months.

Harnesslink Media