Godolphin’s Astern colt Aft Cabin firmed from $101 to $15 for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas after breaking his maiden in style over 1400m at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday.
Ridden by Jamie Kah for James Cummings, Aft Cabin eased back from an outside barrier. He raced three wide with cover, and when Kah asked for an effort, the response was immediate.
The three-quarter brother to Multaja and Veranillo displayed a scintillating turn of foot to defeat the Written Tycoon colt Bel Air by a widening six lengths with American Liaison (American Pharoah) a head back in third.
Aft Cabin was well supported on debut when edged out by Miyoshi on a heavy 10 at Warwick Farm on July 27.
Stable representative Sean Keogh said the stable would plot a path to the Caulfield Guineas.
“What everyone thought of him at home has come to fruition,” Keogh said.
“If you have some opinion about your horse, you have to enter those races. He put them away in good style in a maiden, and I’m sure James is looking at Saturday races over the next month and then continue our journey.
“That was ultra-impressive. He was good first-up on a heavy track and was better again on a better surface.
The race played out beautifully, and Jamie got him in a lovely spot.”
After Cabin is the fifth winner from as many to race out of the Lonhro mare Shelters, who has left the Group III PJ Bell Hcp winner Multaja (Medaglia d’Oro) and Listed ATC Lonhro Plate winner Veranillo (Medaglia d’Oro).
A sister to Group 1 BRC TJ Smith Stakes winner Benfica, Shelters has a weanling colt by Harry Angel (IRE) and was covered by Brazen Beau last spring.
Group 1 ATC Golden Rose Stakes winner Astern (Medaglia d’Oro) stands for a fee of $11,000 at Darley Stud this spring.
