Asset takes Leicestershire honours
Asset proved to be just that for Godolphin by giving Sheikh Mohammed’s worldwide operation their first winner from just four runners in Britain when scoring at Leicester.
The six-year-old stalwart hung right but ran all the way to the line for Ted Durcan to beat Regal Parade by half-a-length in the Listed totesport.com Leicestershire Stakes.
With trainer Saeed bin Suroor in America, racing manager Simon Crisford in Dubai and another representative Diana Cooper in Hong Kong looking after their global big-race interests, it was left to travelling head lad Tommy Burns to do the honours after the 5-2 shot’s success.
“He’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde and he may run a different race next time, but he’s done the job. He’s a good yardstick and he’s earned his keep for the year,” said Burns.
Durcan added: “He was just hanging slightly. I had my stick in my right hand but he was running on at the line. He’s got a huge engine but be can be hard to work out.”
Holberg (5-2) could be Royal Ascot-bound after a game length and a half victory over Lively Fling in the toteexacta Handicap.
The Mark Johnston-trained colt was twice a winner on the all-weather last year.
“Once he got a lead he’s travelled well and quickened up for a very pleasing performance. We’ll have to look at the mile and a half handicap at Royal Ascot,” said Johnston’s wife Deirdre.
Peter Island (10-1) broke the six-furlong record when blitzing to victory in the toteplacepot Handicap.
Bursting out of the stalls for Jim Crowley, John Gallagher’s six-year-old was never in any danger as he romped home by four lengths from Dancing Maite.
“He just jumps out so quick that he nicks a couple of lengths coming out of the stalls. Hopefully we’ll go to Goodwood next Saturday,” said the Moreton-In-Marsh trainer.
King’s Approach pipped Farmer Giles by a nose in the totetentofollow Starts Next Weekend Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
The 6-5 favourite, ridden by Pat Dobbs and trained by Richard Hannon, was compensating his owner David Joseph for the short-head defeat of Lady Francesca at Epsom on Wednesday.
“We’ll give him a break now, he’s still immature and his breeding on the dam’s side suggests he’ll get much further and be a better three-year-old,” said Swansea-based Joseph.
Farmer Giles’ jockey Jamie Spencer was banned for one day (May 9) for using his whip with excessive frequency.
Serious Impact (5-2) continued John Gosden’s fine start to the campaign when swooping clear by a length and a quarter in the Bet totesport On 0800 221 221 Maiden Stakes.
Paint The Town Red (18-1) stormed down the outside to claim the toteswinger Handicap for trainer Hugh Collingridge and 3lb claimer Jack Mitchell, while Jim Boyle’s Wunder Strike (2-1) ran out a cosy winner of the Bet totepool At totesport.com Handicap under Nicky Mackay.
