In the wee hours of Tuesday morning (12.20AM) Casterton will commence his 3YO career at Compiegne in the North of France – a world away from the Victorian country town that inspired his name.
Hopes are high for this son of Fastnet Rock. He debuted at Le Croise Laroche over 1800M in October when enduring a wide run in transit and just failing in his bid to run down the tearaway leader.
The debut second was indication enough to trainer, Andre Fabre, that the colt had good ability and he was immediately spelled. Fabre has pencilled in the French Derby as an aspirational goal for Casterton this preparation and Monday’s first up run over 2000M looks an ideal starting point.
Casterton is one of a number of Fastnet Rock’s OTI has named after Victorian country towns. Spread across the UK and France, the yearlings were purchased in 2015 and their 3YO year looks set to be exciting. Leading the charge is the Luca Cumani trained Managatang who is shortly to resume in the UK with the English Derby a potential target.
On Monday, Casterton will be ridden by Pierre-Charles Boudot in what looks a high-quality 3YO staying event. The race is an ideal pipe-opener for his campaign and he should be most competitive. Click here to view the field. Should the colt continue to improve throughout his 3YO year there’s every chance he will one day race on Australian shores.
