Ashram ready for Dewhurst

Experienced trainer says signs are good for two-year-old

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 6th October 2008

Ashram ready for Dewhurst

Ashram: heading to Dewhurst

He's probably better at an early stage than some I've trained.

John Hills
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John Hills says Ashram is ready and raring to go for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes after his last success.

Hills revealed that the Indian Haven colt has been flying since Thursday's surprise victory in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket.

The Upper Lambourn trainer has yet to confirm Ashram for the October 18 race and remains cautious over the horse.

"He seems great, he was quite bouncy the next day, the wheels are still good and everything else," Hills said.

"I didn't see him canter this morning but the boys say he was fine. I think it's so far so good.

"We are going to confirm him this time next week for the Dewhurst. We'll see how the horse is and see what looks like turning up for the race.

"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."

Accolade

Hills, who first took out a licence in 1987, already rates the colt among the best he has trained although he admitted the two-year-old still has a long way to go.

"He's probably better at an early stage than some I've trained," he said.

"Some of the other ones weren't at their best until they got a bit older. He is learning all the time, getting better and has turned himself into a nice two-year-old.

"Wind In Her Hair was second in the Oaks and a Group One winner and is the dam of Deep Impact. She was a great filly.

"Docksider was a really good miler. He just got beat a neck and a head in the Breeders' Cup Mile and he won the Hong Kong Mile.

"He was second in the Queen Anne and the Sussex and was a really good horse but the way this fella did it the other day was very taking.

"Having a horse like this with the Dewhurst in mind makes a change from going to Wolverhampton on a Saturday night for a 0-60."