Askar Has The Answers

Askar Tau - landed the Lonsdale Cup.

Askar Tau continued the revival of Marcus Tregoning's Kingwood House yard by grounding out success in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup.

The Group Two event may have lacked strength in depth, but prolific winner Askar Tau added a touch of class and responded to a first-time visor to score under champion jockey Ryan Moore.

Royal And Regal looked every inch the winner inside the final two furlongs but found little under pressure, while Tregoning's 5-2 chance strode out down the centre of the course to take command and score by a length and a quarter.

Drill Sergeant, the 15-8 favourite, rallied to take second for the in-form Johnston yard.

Moore said: "It was fast ground out there, so the old lad probably didn't really let himself go.

"I have never ridden him before, but he generally tends to run on and off the bridle so I suppose the visor made him concentrate a bit more."

Tregoning said: "I think he'll have to wear the visor again after that.

"He disappointed so badly at Goodwood I am putting it down to the ground, and the Prix du Cadran will have to be on his compass now as he stays so well.

"He's a real grinder. The owner wanted to sell last spring and I said no way, there were definitely races to be won. I hope he can develop into a good Cup horse next season."

Johnston said: "Joe (Fanning) said it might have been better if he had gone a bit harder a bit sooner.

"I suppose we will look at the Doncaster Cup now, as there is not a lot else for him anyway."

Royal And Regal's trainer Michael Jarvis was represented by his assistant Roger Varian, who said: "He travelled very well, but Neil (Callan) had to go a bit sooner on him than he wanted when the winner came to him

"It was pleasing that he has run so well after his below-par effort last time."