Reux : Ashrun find his Derby in Deauville
Photo scoopdyga.com
Winner in June of a German Derby prep race in Hanover, Ashrun (Authorized) did not take part in the Hamburg Classic on July 7, where he was not entered, and his trainer Andreas Wöhler chose to lead the Stall Turffighter representative, whose owner Hans Wirth is also the breeder, towards the Prix de Reux (Gr3), Sunday in Deauville over an extended mile-and-a-half against older foes.
With a 9-pound allowance over his elders, Stephane Pasquier's ride finally got eh better of the Godolphin favourite Walton Street (Cape Cross), who led all the way and accelerated early in the straight to turn the race into a stamina test. He never let go but the German raider finally got the upper hand.
A short neck separates the 3-year-old from his elder, First Nation (Dubawi) staying on for third place two lengths down.
Ashrun was offered at the Deauville in October 2017 but did not find a buyer at € 28,000, which is why he is racing for his breeder today.
His dam Ashantee (Areion) won at Group 3 level over 11 furlongs in Germany, and finished fourth in the Gr 3 Prix du Prince of Orange won by Never On Sunday over 10 furlongs at Longchamp.
Ashrun is her second Group winner after Ashiana (Mastercraftsman), winner of a Group 2 across the Rhine. Their sister by Pastorius came out of training after running several times in claimers in France before last winter ... We probably won't find her again in such races anytime soon!
A sister by Olympic Glory was born last year, bred in Ireland.