High Hopes For Boy Bid

South African trainer Mike De Kock believes the Juddmonte International Stakes at York could be the 'perfect' race for Asiatic Boy.

The four-year-old finished a creditable fourth in Wednesday's Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, beaten just two lengths behind winner Ramonti and only losing out on third in a photograph.

That was Asiatic Boy's first start on turf since his days in Argentina and with the International being run over 10 furlongs on August 21, de Kock is anticipating further improvement.

'He has come out of the race fine, he is a very solid horse,' said the trainer.

'I've got to be delighted with his performance. They tell me he has run to a mark of 117 and his best performance on dirt was about 120 and that is his favoured surface.

'So with that being his first run in four months, I must be honest and say I'm delighted.

'He was obviously pretty keen on his first run back and he is a horse that likes to get along with it.

'We tried to restrain him a little bit yesterday and maybe it would have been better to let him stride along.

'He didn't give up (when he was passed), he stuck on to the line and I think on turf he might want a bit more distance.

'The race at York looks perfect for him. He's a lovely horse and an absolute gentleman to deal with. None of us are going back home so Weichong (Marwing) will be on him again.'

(C) PA Sport