Yashin

Yashin did well to finish as close as he did in the “Northfields” Handicap, the 10-furlong handicap at The Curragh on Sunday which brought the curtain down on Irish Champions Weekend.  Allowed drift back in the field early on by Scott McCullagh form his wide draw, he was last of the 22 runners as they stared to race down the hill, but he appeared to be going as fast as he could go.  Still last as they raced to the two-furlong marker, he responded well to his riders encouragement, he stayed on well through traffic to get up for sixth place behind the three Johnny Murtagh-trained horses who filled the first three places, closest at the finish.

This was Yashin’s first run since he finished last of 19 runners in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot in June.  That obviously wasn’t his running, he reportedly came home stiff, and he had a nice progressive profile going into that race.  Given a good break by trainer Jessica Harrington, this was a most encouraging return.  Weak in the market beforehand, he could come on appreciably for this run.  Also, he raced as if this 10-furlong trip is on the sharp side for him, he won over a mile and a half at Leopardstown in May, and he will be of interest now wherever he goes next, ideally stepped up to 12 furlongs again or even beyond.
The Curragh, 11^th September 2022