Thoughts on Astro King – Bahrain

A big day for Astro King and connections as he takes his chance in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy under Richard Kingscote with the race set to run at 12.05pm (UK time).

Astro King has been a real star since joining us and put up a massive performance last time out to win the Cambridgeshire. This is a fiercely competitive race with a very high class field. He’s trained beautifully into the race and has taken to things well in Bahrain. Full credit to the Bahrain Turf Club for their excellent facilities and many thanks for their outstanding hospitality. The ten furlongs on fast ground look ideal.

Multiple Group 1 winner Nations Pride looks the pick of the field on ratings. These look his optimum conditions too. Israr catches the eye in training in the mornings, although he looks more suited to 12 furlongs. Point Lonsdale has solid form but again might be suited by a stiffer test. Above the Curve has good ten furlong form but a tricky draw. Calif is really interesting stepped up and certainly seems better on sound surfaces.

Astro King runs for owners Capture The Moment, Carter and Lofthouse. Tamsin Karn and Mark Lawson travelled over with him, Mark has been riding him out each day with Tamsin caring for him and they have done a great job with him. Jan Kasecky cares for Astro King daily at home and has looked after him beautifully, It’s a credit to the whole team how well things have worked and it’s been a huge team effort to get the horse here.