Haskoy lands late blow in Aston Park Stakes

Haskoy, the only filly in the field, finished strongly to claim victory by a short head in yesterday’s Gr.3 Aston Park Stakes over 1m4f at Newbury.

Taken from the European Bloodstock News and Thoroughbred Daily News, 21st May 2023:

The four-year-old daughter of Golden Horn settled in midfield and initially looked outpaced at the three-furlong marker. The Irish raider Bolshoi Ballet claimed the lead over a furlong from home and was tackled on the outside by Israr, but a rejuvenated Haskoy was switched left and pierced a gap up the inside rail to snatch victory in the final strides. Israr was beaten just a short head, with Bolshoi Ballet a head behind in third. Favourite Yibir failed to land a blow back in fourth.

Haskoy was unbeaten in her first two starts at three, including a seven-length debut demolition at Wolverhampton, before stepping up to Gr.1 company in the St Leger at Doncaster. She was second past the post that day but was later demoted to fourth due to interference.

Trainer Ralph Beckett commented: "She was a little fresh and still a little green in behind horses, so she's a pretty special filly to have done that. She made up a lot of ground in the last 100 yards - when she stayed as well as she did in the Leger on only her third start and with her pedigree, I'd have no real concerns about where we go. The Gold Cup is a possibility - we'll see nearer the time. That entry was how we felt about her beforehand and we still do."