Fallon takes Ashkal mount

Kieren Fallon is set to ride Ashkal Way in the totesport Cambridgeshire after the three-year-old proved he was over an injury scare.

The Brian Ellison-trained gelding demonstrated his well-being when working satisfactorily with two stable companions in a crucial gallop this morning.

His participation in the big handicap at Newmarket on Saturday, for which he is 9-1 with the sponsors, had been in doubt after he bruised a joint at Newbury earlier this month.

“He had a blow after the gallop as he had missed some work but that will have put him spot on for Saturday. As long as he’s all right in the morning he’ll definitely run,” said Ellison.

“It was a nice bit of work with two in-form and useful stable companions. It wasn’t too serious as I didn’t want to flatten him for Saturday.

“He felt sorry for himself straight after Newbury but he’s fine again now.

“Kieren rides him. He’s had the chance to ride one or two others but he’s been hanging on for us. The owner (Ashley Carr) booked him this morning.”

Fallon has ridden Ashkal Way once before when beaten a short head by Trivandrun at Musselburgh in May.