Thursday 2nd October 2008
Classy Ashram reveals Guineas credentials
Ashram, seen here winning on The July Course in August, took the Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes today
ASHRAM gave a power-packed display as he entered the Stan James 2000 Guineas picture with a comprehensive triumph in the Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket today.
The son of Indian Haven is now a 33/1 shot with the sponsors for success back at The NatWest Rowley Mile next spring in the famous Classic.
He enhanced his reputation with a 14/1 win at The Home of Racing, secured in smooth style in the hands of Ryan Moore.
Held up for much of the contest, he showed a good turn of foot to score by four and a half lengths.
Trainer John Hills said: “He came from last to first like he did in his maiden on The July Course.
“They went an even pace today and he showed a good turn of foot. We’ll look at the Darley Dewhurst Stakes or maybe the Horris Hill.”
Johnny Murtagh was seen at his best when landing £250,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes on board Kingship Spirit for trainer Jeremy Noseda.
Sent off an 8/1 chance he travelled on the heels of the leaders before picking up well under Murtagh’s distinctive drive to collar the leader, Pyrrha inside the final furlong and going on to win by half a length.
Noseda said: “He didn’t behave well in his first two starts and should have won at Newmarket on his third. The gelding operation has made all the difference and without it I can honestly say we wouldn’t be standing here today.
“He hasn’t helped himself in the past but the fast pace and this type of race suited him well – everything fell in to place.”
Luca Cumani looks to have a classy young stayer on his hands in the shape of Savarian who took the Noel Murless Stakes under Frankie Dettori in good style.
The 10-11 favourite sat at the rear before quickening up well to claim the spoils by a length and three-quarters.
Cumani said: “He really deserves this, having ran well in handicaps under big weights. We haven’t been able to run him as he needs fast ground so he was a bit fresh today.
“He has improved physically and looks to be a nice prospect for next year.”
Peace Offering gained his third win of the year at odds of 8/1 when securing the Listed G4S Rous Stakes by half a length.
Jockey Adrian Nicholls said: “He’s a great old horse with a good heart and he is in top form. He goes on all grounds and should hopefully win one more before the season’s end.”
Redwood was a 22/1 winner of the 1m European Breeders’ Fund Maiden Stakes for trainer Barry Hills and son Richard. The son of High Chaparral from the family of Dancing Brave, always travelled strongly towards the rear before making progress inside the closing 2f. He ran on well inside the final furlong and was ridden out to score by three-quarters of a length.
Trainer Barry Hills said: “He’s always been a nice horse and has been working well. If he runs again this season it will be in the Horris Hill.”
The EBF Fillies’ Handicap was won by 7-2 chance Masada and the NGK Spark Plugs/ Tatami Handicap saw Willow Dancer grab the spoils at 9-2.
Racing resumes at 1pm tomorrow for a stunning nine race-card which features four Group races, including two Group 1s.
By Jackie Jarvis
