A brilliant flag-bearer for Wathnan Racing this season, Aesterius obliged once again for connections on Friday when successful in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.
The Archie Watson-trained colt showed a game attitude to repel Big Mojo and join Caturra as winners of the prestigious juvenile sprint for his sire Mehmas, who continues to dominate this year's European juvenile standings. Mehmas was also responsible for the third Magnum Force.
Aesterius has been a model of consistency this season, scoring first time out at Bath before running close fifth to Shareholder in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot en route to capturing the Listed Dragon Stakes at Sandown. Having run a fine second in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood, he returned to winning ways in style in the Group 3 Prix d'Arenberg at Longchamp prior to his Doncaster success.
“He hasn’t done a lot wrong," said jockey James Doyle. "I just felt I did a couple of things wrong in the Molecomb – I perhaps rode him too conservatively. When we went to France I was keen to make use of his speed and again today, I spoke to Archie beforehand and he said ‘let him get out and do his thing’.
“We raced pretty much by ourselves most of the way and he did have a look at the crowd when I put him under pressure, so that can only be a good sign.”
Archie Watson added: “James said he’s still very babyish and he came off the bridle early enough today. He’s still looking at things beside him as he’s running down the track. He’s a very talented horse. He won the Prix d’Arenberg last time out and just 12 days later he has backed it up, which is the same double we did with Soldier’s Call (in 2018). He’s a very talented two-year-old and we’re very lucky to train him.
“I think next year is the time to explore six furlongs. The Breeders’ Cup will be his end-of-season target – it should really suit him. The question mark is do we have a crack at the Prix de l’Abbaye in the meantime? He’ll get 18lb off his elders and Soldier’s Call was only just beaten by Mabs Cross after winning this, so that will be discussed."
Aesterius was bred by Sean Maguire out of Jane Doe, a Hallowed Crown half-sister to Grade 3 winner Tawhid. He most recently sold for £380,000 out of the Mocklershill draft to Blandford Bloodstock at the Goffs Breeze-Up Sale in Doncaster (pictured below).
Aesterius is one of 48 2yo winners in Europe this season for Mehmas, whose juveniles have already earned over £1.3 million this season.
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