Mehmas further consolidated his status as Europe's leading sire of 2yos on Friday thanks to Aesterius' win for Wathnan Racing in the Listed Dragon Stakes at Sandown Park.
One of 21 2yo winners so far in Europe this season for Mehmas, Aesterius backed up his impressive debut win at Bath with a close fifth to Shareholder in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. On Friday he stepped up again, always travelling well in the hands of James Doyle before quickening clear for an easy win to break his stakes duck as the 6/4 favourite.
"He ran a huge race at Royal Ascot," said trainer Archie Watson. "Like a lot of the races there, it was a bit affected by the draw. He raced against Whistlejacket the whole way, but still ran a huge race and was beaten just over a length.
"This was the obvious race with half an eye on Goodwood and he's sharpened up. James was very happy but we'd have preferred something better to lead us into the race. James was trying to keep hold of him so he didn't land in front three furlongs out.
"I'm sure he'll improve again with a strong pace to aim at. My immediate thought is he'd travel well in a Molecomb."
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).
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