Astro News (SAF) has returned to winning ways and notched up a second victory on the trot as he ran on strongly to win the Gr 3 Cup Trial over 1800m at Clairwood on Saturday. Bulsara (SAF) was not disgraced in second with Territorial Waters (AUS) staying on for third ahead of dead-heaters Big City Angel (SAF) and Punta Arenas (SAF).

Viva Maria took up her customary role at the head of affairs with Donovan Dillon doing a good job of getting Territorial Waters across from a wide draw to settle on the rail in second. The first two opened up a gap of five lengths over Bulsara, with  Punta Arenas, Big City Angel, Astro News and favourite General Sherman next best, the latter racing about ten lengths off the pace.

Viva Maria tried to steal a march upon entering the straight, but she could not sustain her effort as Territorial Waters went on by. Big City Angel and Bulsara both looked dangerous down the inside while Punta Arenas made his run down the standside rail. Astro News, meanwhile, still had a couple of lengths to make up, but he started to make inroads as he moved through between horses. It was still an open affair 150m out with five runners spread across the track but Astro News imposed himself late and pulled away to win under a typically well-judged ride from Kevin Shea.

Astro News was certainly not winning out of turn here and it was a surprise to see him drift out to 10/1, given that he came into the race as one of the most accomplished runners in the line-up. He's run well in such races as the J & B Met, Summer Cup and Victory Moon Stakes and has finally started to show some consistency again, following a rather erratic streak at one stage. He's versatile too and always worth following in this sort of company. He looks to have done enough here to book his place in the Vodacom Durban July.

Bulsara goes well at this track and is another one who has crossed swords with the country's best without disgracing himself. He's something of a nearly horse, somehow always finding something to beat him, but at least showed here that he still maintains plenty of ability. Both he and the winner were conceding 5.5kg to the third-placed Territorial Waters, so their respective connections can be pleased that their charges produced performances full of merit.

Territorial Waters stayed on gamely after being up with the pace throughout but just found himself outgunned in the closing stages while Punta Arenas and Big City Angel both had every chance but just could not summon up the extra required.

4 ch g Silvano (GER) - Orange Moon by Dominion Royale (GB)
Mr A L A Crabbia
Bred by Oldlands Stud
Winning trainer: Charles Laird