Aston Rupee Returns With Stunning Warragul Romp

GUN youngster Aston Rupee has made a stunning return to racing with a blazing 25.33 Warragul gallop on Tuesday night.

The hugely talented son of Kc And All and Aston Miley was just two lengths outside Shima Shine's 25.19 460-metre track record in posting the second fastest time ever at the Gippsland circuit.

The startling run eclipsed the 25.34 runs recorded by Group 1 superstars Aston Dee Bee and Hooked On Scotch, indicating the quality of the performance.

"It was a really nice return … I couldn't be happier," trainer Glenn Rounds said.

"I've got a few decisions to make with him over the coming weeks but we've got a final to get through at Warragul next week so for now we'll just concentrate on that.

“But he's come back great from a little let-up.”

Tuesday night's slashing performance was Aston Rupee's first outing since finishing a heroic second to Kuro Kismet in the Group 3 Launching Pad Final (515m) at Sandown Park on April 1.

"That series took a lot out of the dog – he got knocked around in each of the three runs," Rounds said.

"He had a few little issues after the final so I let right up on him and have just worked him back slowly. The best thing about last night was to see him get away cleanly. He's learning and improving all the time."

In the next week, Rounds will map out a plan for his young charge but will more than likely miss the Group 3 Speed Star which is slated for Sandown Park in early June.

"His best time at Sandown was in January so he's not qualified at the moment," Rounds said.

"I think he'd have to go quicker than 29.18 to get in and at this time of year that's not that easy.

"After next week's final I'll talk to (owner) Ray (Borda) and make a decision one way or another. But the race I'm looking at for him is the Group 1 Vic Peters at Wentworth Park in early July.

"That and then a race like the Maturity at The Meadows works in well."

Winner at six of his 12 starts, Aston Rupee is a blue-blood if ever you've seen one with the racing ability to back it up.

The Kc And All and Aston Miley litter he hails from boast 28 wins from 91 starts at a winning strike-rate of 31 percent.

Included in the litter is the Jason Thompson-trained Aston Fastnet which currently heads the 515 metre Speed Star standings.