Progressive three-year-old has rattled off a hat-trick of summer handicap wins.
Align The Stars: Johnston’s Rising Star Eyes York Options Before St Leger Dream
Align The Stars, a promising three-year-old son of Sea The Stars, is fast becoming a standout in Charlie Johnston's stable. This colt, who shares his lineage with the accomplished Group winner Al Aasy, has shown significant growth this season, steadily building on a quiet juvenile year. With each race, Align The Stars has demonstrated increasing stamina and grit, making him a horse to watch as major races loom on the horizon. This season has seen Align The Stars carve out a reputation as a determined competitor, particularly as he steps up in distance. After securing a victory in a mile-and-a-half contest at Thirsk in June, he took on a longer challenge at Haydock, racing over a mile and six furlongs in the bet365 Handicap. Here, the colt truly came into his own, thriving on the extended trip and claiming victory with a display of both strength and endurance.
The race at Goodwood further solidified his status. Facing the Coral Summer Handicap over the same distance, Align The Stars was thrust into an unfamiliar role as he led the pack under jockey Joe Fanning. Despite this unexpected strategy, he showed his fighting spirit, holding off a strong challenge from Andrew Balding's Fairbanks to win by a narrow neck. Johnston noted that while the plan wasn't to lead, the colt adapted admirably, particularly in the race's final stages. "It wasn't the plan to make the running, but he showed his maturity by digging deep when it mattered most," Johnston reflected.
Align The Stars digs deep to win the Coral Summer Handicap ✨#ITVRacing | @Goodwood_Races pic.twitter.com/8slNhRsuOc
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 3, 2024
Looking ahead, Align The Stars is set to participate in the prestigious Ebor meeting at York, where he has two potential races in his sights: the Melrose Handicap and the Group Two Lonsdale Cup. While Johnston has ruled out the Voltigeur Stakes, he remains open to both York options, with the colt’s longer-term goals firmly in focus. The St Leger, one of the UK’s oldest and most coveted races, is a key target for Align The Stars, as is the Prix Royal-Oak in France later this year. These races represent significant stepping stones as Johnston nurtures the colt towards a potential career as a leading stayer.
Align The Stars’ physical attributes and racing style suggest he is still maturing and has much more to offer. Johnston is optimistic about the colt’s future, particularly in next season’s staying events. "For all that you would like them to be top class at a mile and a half, we've always realized that stamina might be his key to reaching the top," Johnston stated. "He's certainly on track to becoming a Cup horse next year, and we’re excited about what the future holds."
As Align The Stars continues to develop, the racing world watches with anticipation, knowing that this colt has the potential to make a significant impact on the biggest stages.
