Aasheq

Aasheq ran better than the bare form of his run in the John Smith’s Cup suggests.

Usually a prominent racer, he appeared to miss the break a little and, with the first turn coming up quite quickly after the 10-and-a-half-furlong start at York, he was crowded out of it early on as the outside horses came across, with the result that David Allan had to take him back a little. He was keen enough early on as a result, and he was no better than eighth last of the 21 runners as they left the back straight, which was not a positive in a race in which the pace held up well. The first seven home raced, respectively, in eighth, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, first and second places of 21 as they started around the home turn.

Aasheq was still keen at that point of the race, but he travelled well early in the home straight, and he moved up nicely just behind the leaders in the far side. The leaders got away from him a little when they quickened, but he stayed on well from the furlong pole to finish eighth. The first three were well ahead of him, but he was only beaten a total of a half a length for fourth and, in another 50 yards, he might have been fourth. It was a fine run. He did best of the hold-up horses.

Tim Easterby’s horse is six now, and this was his 23rd run, he is looking fairly exposed at first glance, but he has been better than ever this season, his three runs before this run were up there with the best of his career. He goes well on soft ground too, you can argue that his best form is on soft ground, and he could be a horse who is worth keeping in mind now for when the ground softens again.

York, 13^th July 2019