Spencer lands Asiatic mount

Asiatic Boy will be partnered by Jamie Spencer when he goes for gold in York’s Juddmonte International.

The Mike de Kock-trained colt won four times in Dubai in the spring before taking an encouraging fourth behind Ramonti on his first start on British soil last week.

And with regular pilot Weichong Marwing having returned to South Africa, Spencer will take the reins on the Knavesmire.

“Asiatic Boy definitely goes for the Juddmonte and I think he’s come on for his run in the Sussex,” explained De Kock.

“He was a bit ring-rusty at Goodwood and Jamie Spencer will ride him at York.”

In the meantime, globetrotting De Kock will have both eyes on his star mare Irridescence, who will be ridden by Johnny Murtagh in Saturday’s Beverly D Stakes in America.

Last seen finishing second to Simply Perfect in the Falmouth Stakes, she will bid for her fourth top-flight success at the weekend.

Of the Murtagh booking, De Kock told the Racing Post: “I’ve always been impressed with him. He rode Asiatic Boy to win for me in Dubai this winter.

“Irridescence has travelled well. She’s a quirky filly and lost a little weight, but her work has been good backing up to this race.”