Ascot on the cards for Azraff after Newbury win
15 May 2016
Azraff: easy winner at Newbury
Azraff returned to winning ways on Saturday when successful in the Planteur Handicap at Newbury.
Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Azraff made smooth headway through the field to hit the front a furlong out and win with something in hand. It was the third win for the son of Paco Boy, who has finished in the frame in 14 of his 17 starts for Marco Botti.
“I knew Azraff had a big race in him,” Botti told The Racing Post. “We tried him in headgear but he made no difference so I took it off. When he ran in the Lincoln he didn´t enjoy the testing ground. He handles cut but doesn´t want it soft. He´s a nice Saturday handicapper and all options including Ascot are open.”
Tony Nerses purchased Azraff as a yearling for 57,000gns out of the Lodge Park Stud draft at the Tattersalls October Sale. He a half-brother to three winners and out of the Group 3-placed Gee Kel, a Danehill Dancer daughter of Grade 2 winner Shir Dar.
Also at Newbury, Ayrad ran a fine race on his second start for Roger Charlton to finish second in the Al Rayyan Stakes.
