26th-Aug-2023

I am backing Astro King here.

He was a talented horse for Sir Michael Stoute, he was placed in two Hunt Cups and in a Clipper Logistics Handicap, and it appears that he has re-discovered his old form now since he has moved to the Kublers.

Fourth in the Hambleton Handicap at York’s Dante meeting on his first run for his new yard, he was well beaten in this year’s Hunt Cup, but he bounced back to form last time, back at York, in the John Smith’s Cup.  He closed on the leaders on the far side all the way to the line, just failing by a nose to catch Pride Of America.

The handicapper raised him by 3lb for that run, which was fair, and it just takes him up to his peak rating.  He saw out the 10 and a half furlongs well last time, he remains unexposed at the trip, and he won’t mind if they get some of the forecast rain throughout the day at York.  He goes well at York too.  He has never won there, but three of his four runs there have been up there with the best of his career.

ASTRO KING WON (ADV 4/1, SP 100/30)