Aspetar

Aspetar ran a big race to finish second in the Dubai Duty Free, the John Porter Stakes. Settled last of the eight remaining runners, after Pilansberg had unseated at the start, he was keen enough through his race. He was still last and keen as they straightened up for home but, moved toward the near side, he made nice progress, still under a tight rein. He moved up nicely in behind the leaders, and he looked set to score when he challenged on the run to the 1f marker and went between Defoe and Laraaib to hit the front. He ran all the way to the line, but he was just mugged close home by Marmelo, who had been under pressure from a long way out.

It was still a fine run from Aspetar, under a fine ride from Jason Watson. Unraced as a juvenile, he ran five times as a three-year-old last season. He won just once, the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood, but he ran a fine race in another listed race at Ayr in September behind Dolphin Vista. This was his seasonal debut, and his first run since a gelding operation, and it was probably a career-best. He handles this easy ground well, but he won his maiden on good ground, and he should be able to build on this.

Newbury, 13^th April 2019