Ascension

Ascension ran out a good winner of the seven-furlong handicap. Sent off as favourite but weak in the pre-race market, he was smartly away and he was quickly into a nice position, just behind the two pace-setters. He travelled well into the home straight and, moved to the far side, he picked up nicely to hit he front at the two-furlong pole. He was challenged by Hajjam at the furlong marker, but he kept on powerfully all the way to the line, winning by a length and a half in the end and strong in the finish.

This was another step forward by Roger Varian’s horse. Winner of novice stakes races over six furlongs at Salisbury and Newcastle last season, he was beaten as favourite in his first two runs this season as a three-year-old, but he has now won both his races since he was gelded. He kept on well to win a handicap off a mark of 86 at Newmarket in August, and he was well able for a 4lb higher mark at Ayr on Saturday. The handicapper has raised him by another 6lb for this win, but he probably won with a little bit in hand on Saturday from Hajjam, who ran well to finish second again over the same course and distance on Tuesday off a 2lb higher mark. As well as that, that was just Ascension’s second run since he was gelded, and he has the potential to progress again now. Seven furlongs is a good trip for him, but his dam won over 11 furlongs and he races as if he could improve for a step up to a mile. He goes well on soft ground, so he will be of interest if he races again now before the end of the season.

Ayr, 19^th September 2020