Durrant In Awe Of Assetro
3 March, 2018
Thoroughbred
Assetro has stamped herself as the horse to beat in next month’s Group 2 Karrakatta Plate, should trainer Adam Durrant decide to go that way, following a breathtaking win in the TABtouch Plate (1100m) at Ascot.
The Blackfriars filly settled with just two runners behind her throughout the run, and the task confronting her on the turn for home looked too great.
However, she lifted under the guidance of William Pike to record one of the best victories by a two-year-old this season.
After finishing third in the Crystal Slipper in December, Emerald Rose produced another tough effort on speed to finish second, while Party Night finished third a week after she broke through for her maiden win last week.
Durrant said he had just about given up hope of Assetro winning at the 200m mark, but knew the filly had special qualities that could carry her to victory.
“She probably had no business winning at the 200m,” he said.
“She has got a really good motor, hopefully we can hold her together.”
Durrant said he wouldn’t take any risks with the filly, who is likely to progress to the Gimcrack Stakes on Good Friday prior to the Karrakatta Plate.
The leading trainer said he wouldn’t hesitate taking Assetro to the east coast in the next year.
“I don’t want to do too much with her and hurt her,” he said.
“She just does it so naturally so it’s hard to keep her at home.
“This horse could very easily be in Melbourne in six months or 12 moths time in a Guineas or an Oaks.”
The day got even better for Durrant, as tough mare Sweet Ora recorded her first win over 1400m in the Iron Jack Handicap (1400m).
Earlier in the week, Durrant said he had contemplated retiring the mare prior to this preparation, but her last three runs have suggested she still has plenty to offer on the track should connections decide to keep her racing.
“We raced her as a short course horse as a two and three-year-old,” he said.
“She’s getting close to the $500,000 mark.”
Tim Walker