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Astern is likely to launch his spring campaign in the 2016 Run To The Rose on Saturday week after winning a barrier trial at Randwick today.

Astern settled midfield for James McDonald in a 1050 metre trial and was spotting the leader many lengths on the turn.

McDonald eased Astern into clear running in the straight and he would up strongly under minimal pressure and he quickly rounded up the leaders, holding some late closers to win by a neck in 1.02.8.

Sons Of John and Defcon were both pushed along in the straight to run home into the placings with Nancy a close up fourth.

“That was his second trial and we couldn’t have asked much more from him, trainer John O’Shea said.

“Last season he was one of the better colts around and he did everything right today, wasn’t knocked around at all, never pressured.

“He’s in a good frame of mind, where we want him to be.”

O’Shea was also pleased with another of the stable’s stakes-winning juveniles of last season, Archives, who was a one-length third to Cocoexcel in his 1050m heat.

“Everything we wanted to see,” O’Shea said.

“Got away cleanly, took up a position and when he was asked to hold his place he did it well.

“He’s a big lump of a horse who looks like being at his best when he gets up to seven furlongs or a mile.”

O’Shea was also pleased to see Furnaces win his 1050m trial.

“James McDonald said he feels different this time, nice and happy, very strong,” O’Shea said.

“He’s a horse with some class who has run well in very good company, so we’ll look forward to seeing him at the races.”