November 19, 2024

Ashram to Dewhurst; Paco Boy passes on Breeders’ Cup

Last updated: 10/6/08 6:51 PM


Trainer John Hills confirmed Monday that Somerville Tattersall S. (Eng-G3)
winner ASHRAM (Indian Haven) will tackle the Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) Impressive
when winning the seven-furlong contest at Newmarket by 4 1/2 lengths,
Mountgrange Stud’s colt is set for a return to that track and trip in the
October 18 feature.

“He seems great, he was quite bouncy the next day, the wheels are still good
and everything else,” Hills told PA Sport. “We are going to confirm him this
time next week for the Dewhurst. As it stands right now, if we are happy with
him it’s very likely he’ll go there. He’s earned a shot at it. Obviously, he won
beautifully the other day but this is going to be tougher.”

The juvenile has won two of his three starts and has amassed earnings of
$72,212.

Meanwhile, Richard Hannon revealed that PACO BOY (Desert Style) will not take
in the Breeders’ Cup following his impressive success in Prix de la Foret
(Fr-G1) at Longchamp. Having beaten Natagora (Divine Light) by three lengths in
the seven-furlong contest, the Calvera Partnership’s sophomore will wait until
2009 to tackle the major mile events.

“There is no doubt that he is definitely getting better and next year he will
stay a mile well,” Hannon explained. “Next year he could be taking in the best
mile races. We’ve knocked out the Breeders’ Cup, as I don’t think he’d want to
go round there on very firm ground, so we can look forward to a whole season
next year. It was a hell of a time too, the fastest for 16 years, so he’s going
forward.”