Asset Primed For Big Cup Run

Asset´s connections are expecting another bold show from their improving gelding in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket next week.

Having slammed stablemate Assertive on his reappearance in Listed company in April, the Richard Hannon-trained four-year-old finished a close third behind Soldier´s Tale in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

And Richard Hannon junior, son and assistant to his father, believes Asset will be even more effective on a firmer surface.

He said: 'He´s a horse that will be better on firmer ground but he showed me and everyone else at Ascot that he actually can operate on softer ground as well.

'He´s in great form at the moment ? he looks absolutely super.

'I don´t think he quite stayed the mile in the Guineas last year, but he´s improved since then and he´s a much better horse now and for the future.'

While Asset is likely to be team Hannon´s first string in the July Cup, he could also be joined in the six-furlong Group One feature by Assertive.

He finished 16th in the Golden Jubilee but Hannon says he would be no forlorn hope if the ground rode soft at Newmarket.

'He´s no slouch but he´s a horse that takes quite a lot of work,' he told At The Races.

'If the ground turns up like this he will be a lot better. I think he´s about 7lb better on the softer ground.'

(C) PA Sport