Asakir scores for Murtagh and Coen Trainer Johnny Murtagh has made a good start to the new Flat season and notched a fourth success this term today, as his Asakir (85/40) landed Leopardstown’s Student Style Awards (C & G) Maiden in the colours of the late Aga Khan. Ridden by Ben Coen, the son of Zarak made most of the running and while his advantage was reduced in the closing stages, held off faster-finshing Cannes by 1.5 lengths. Winning trainer Murtagh mentioned “Ben was very happy and said he stayed well. They went nice and even all the way. “He’s a big powerful mover who ran really well the first day, and we knew he would improve. Thankfully he has come here and taken a step forward. He’s probably going to have to take another step forward now. “He has a good physique, handles the ground well and he’s coming along. He wasn’t easy in the winter, he was a big fresh horse who was always playful. I don’t have him in any big races but next-time-out will tell us where we’re going to go.” Quotes from Gary Carson
