Australian entree for Astronomer Royal

Gourmet Night gave Astronomer Royal an Australian entree at Geelong on Friday.  Carrying fluorescent yellow silks, the David Hayes trained gelding won the Weekly Review Plate (1300m) on debut by a half-length.

A total of 10 Astronomer Royals had faced the starter in Australia this season before the breakthrough.

Settled in a forward spot by Chad Schofield, the Lindsay Park youngster was caught up in traffic on the home turn before angling into the clear for an unimpeded run to the line.

Gourmet Night (2g Astronomer Royal – Swirly Dream by Alannan) was a $13,000 buy from Eliza Park at the 2012 Adelaide Magic Millions.  He is from a winning half-sister to G3 sprinter Padstow.

Astronomer Royal (Danzig) won the 2007 French 2000 Guineas and he was also placed in that year’s French Derby.  He shuttled from Haras de la Reboursiere to Blue Gum Farm for two years before relocating to Eliza Park in 2011.

There have been 11 winners from 28 starters in his first northern hemisphere crop which are now three year-olds.  French based filly Table Ronde claimed his first black-type victory in the LR Prix Volterra at Chantilly last month.

Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget has nominated Table Ronde for the G3 Prix Chloe back at Chantilly on Sunday.

Astronomer Royal (Ire) stands for a $7,700 (inc gst) service fee at Eliza Park.