Unheralded four-year-old Doctor Askar has proved himself one of the finds of the summer as he completed his fifth win from just six starts since breaking maidens in December when taking out the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday.
Trainer Joanne Moss, who bred and co-owns the son of Derryn in partnership with her mother Jill, had thought she had a handy horse on her hands when he showed plenty of ability by placing in five of his first eight starts before that maiden victory over 1400m at New Plymouth.
Another placing at Trentham was followed by three successive victories, with two of them in premier day company, before Moss decided to tackle stakes racing and test a statement made by rider Joe Doyle after the horse scored easily in a rating 75 1400m at the venue last weekend.
“Joe said to me last week when he got off that we need some faster horses and I was thinking I will fix you,” Moss said.
“But he was right and it’s really exciting as we bred him and I race him with Mum, I’m just really proud.”
Moss also revealed the background to the naming of the horse which will further endear him in the eyes of true racing fans due to the heartwarming nature of the tale.
“I named him after a Doctor at Waikato Hospital, Doctor Askar, who saved my sons life,” she said.
“When I talked to him about naming the horse after him he said he had had some funny requests but never one like this.
“I have emailed him a couple of times and he has said he has been watching and he wants a photo, so this one might be a good one.
“My son is really good and just like any other normal child now.
“When I was talking to the Doctor, I didn’t have a Savabeel to name after him but a Derryn, so never mind as he has turned out good.”
Doyle was quick to pay tribute to the horse and to his trainer after he sat outside leader Mr Mojo Risin’ throughout and then fended off the challenges of Cambridge visitor December to take out his first victory at stakes level.
“He has gone from strength to strength and fair play to Jo as she has done some job with him,” Doyle said.
“When I first rode him when he won at New Plymouth he was very green, very awkward and just a tough ride.
“Whatever she (Moss) is doing is working and this is one of those great racing stories.
“When I came back in last time I said he would be better in a better race and it’s nice to be right sometimes.
“He needs a bit of ringcraft still but he is improving the whole time and he can take the next step up.”
Doctor Askar is out of the St. Petersburg mare Petipas Delight and comes from an extended family that includes black type performer River Queen and her stakes winning son Te Akau Prince.
He has now won five of his 14 starts and just under $185,000 in prizemoney.
Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
