Six winners from eight runners: can Astro King continue Stoute's course record?
2.40 Thirsk
Cliff Stud Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV
Sir Michael Stoute has sent out only eight runners at Thirsk in the last five seasons and six of those won, one finished second and the other third. He saddles Astro King in this mile feature in a bid to improve what is already a remarkable record at the North Yorkshire venue.
It’s not just the trainer that takes the eye here, either. Astro King has the form to back up a fairly short price as the four-year-old tries to complete a handicap hat-trick.
The 375,000gns yearling is by leading sire Kingman and he recorded a Racing Post Rating of 104 when scoring at Nottingham on his reappearance last month. That is 9lb higher than his BHA mark of 95 and connections will no doubt be hoping he can go a lot higher than that.
This race has been used as a springboard to Group-race glory before as, in 2012, Farhh bolted up by six lengths on his last start before competing in Group 1 company.
Astro King will have to go some to match Farhh’s exploits but, as a lightly raced, well-bred older horse from the Stoute yard, it’s certainly not out of the question that Group races await.
It might not all be plain sailing though, because Nugget also achieved an RPR 9lb higher than his BHA rating when successful in the Spring Cup at Newbury last time and the Richard Hannon-trained four-year-old is equally promising having won three of his eight career starts.
Nugget finished a length and three-quarters behind Astro King when third to him at Nottingham before his Spring Cup win, but found trouble in running and is 1lb better off.
A fascinating rematch between two classy, up-and-coming older horses lies in store.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway
Hayadh bids for poignant repeat
Hayadh, who landed this when it was last staged two years ago, would be a poignant winner a day after former trainer Rebecca Bastiman would have turned 41.
She died after a long illness in March and her brother Harvey has taken over the licence at their base near Wetherby in North Yorkshire.
He recorded his first winner at Beverley recently when Victory Angel struck and said: "We all worked together and Rebecca is sorely missed.
"I've got a temporary training licence and I've got to do the courses and modules, but it'll be the plan to do them and it was fantastic to get the first winner on the board."
The mount of Jason Hart, Hayadh is 3lb higher than when winning the race, which this year boasts record prize-money of £50,000, making it the most valuable purse Thirsk has ever offered.
"He's working well and is in good form at home – he's bouncing actually," Bastiman added.
"He's got a good draw in stall one so fingers crossed he can put up a good run. I thought he ran a great race over the straight mile when fourth at Redcar last time; he's better on a turning track like Thirsk. It's a competitive race, but I'm hopeful."
What they say
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, owner of Astro King
We were very pleased with the way he won at Nottingham and I know Sir Michael [Stoute] wouldn't run him here unless he felt he had a good chance.It's an easy thing to say about Sir Michael's horses, but Astro King does have the profile of a horse who is going to improve as a four-year-old. He hasn't had much racing and, judged on his latest performance, looks to be going forward at the right time. He'll have to improve a good bit more if he is to move out of handicaps but, in time, we think he will.
Hugo Palmer, trainer of Acquitted
He's come out of the Spring Mile in good shape. We gelded him and gave him a long time off after he disappointed us twice last summer. He came back with a really good run at Doncaster and we'd be hoping that he can build on that. On good ground or slower, I think he'd run a big race.
Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Queen's Sargent
It was a nice win at Catterick last time; he did it quite easily. Although he's yet to win over a mile, the trip won’t be a problem and he enjoys Thirsk. He'll have a good, strong pace to aim at, which suits him well.
William Haggas, trainer of Tom Collins
He’s training well and looks great. He'd probably prefer some rain but they always water well at Thirsk so hopefully it won’t be too quick. He’s drawn a bit wide. The great thing is that Thirsk have put a £50,000 handicap on and they’ve been rewarded with a good field. It’s a very competitive race and if he wins that, we’ll have some sport. But I want, as much as I can, to support the tracks that put up the money. The mile equivalent on Lockinge day at Newbury is £10,000 to the winner.
Reporting by James Burn
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