Impressive Ashrun demolishes Pakenham Cup field

Jockey Mark Zahra urged a Sydney Cup tilt for Friday night’s Pakenham Cup winner Ashrun, who broke through the million-dollar prizemoney barrier with his impressive victory in the $300,000 Listed feature.

Jockey Mark Zahra urged a Sydney Cup tilt for Friday night’s Pakenham Cup winner Ashrun, who broke through the million-dollar prizemoney barrier with his impressive victory in the $300,000 Listed feature.

The Ciaron Maher-trained stayer, an excellent fourth in last year’s Melbourne Cup, was a well-backed $2.70 favourite off the back of a fast-finishing fourth in his first-up run at Caulfield last month.

With Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s 2023 Australian Derby winner Major Beel setting a frenetic tempo up front in the 2500m staying test, Zahra gave Ashrun a cushy midfield run before setting him alight approaching the turn.

He charged clear at the 200m, cruising to a two-length victory over Glentaneous (Damien Lane) and Don’t Doubt Dory (Carleen Hefel).

The 1231-day drought is over!

Ashrun romps home to take out the Pakenham Cup 🏆 @cmaherracingpic.twitter.com/dURfVjBCZF

— Racing.com (@Racing) March 15, 2024

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Topweight Dunkel drifted in betting, starting a $3.80 second favourite before battling home for sixth, beaten more than 7.5-lengths.

“He deserved that win,” Zahra said.

“The horse has had a few problems – Ciaron’s done a great job for him to be as competitive as he is with so many problems.

“Good win … gee he won easy in the end. It was a brutally-run race – he went to sleep on the rails, I just needed the run at the right time and it was over.

“It’s only his second run this prep so you’d think he’s got a bit of improvement. Ciaron’s just got him flying … he’s eight years old but he feels as good as ever today.

“Sydney Cup will be on the cards for sure.”

The TAB reacted immediately to Ashrun’s victory, making him an $8 equal favourite with More Felons and Post Impressionist for the Sydney Cup on April 13.

Adrian Joyce, representing the Maher camp, acknowledged the Melbourne Cup-qualifying Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) on March 30 as a logical next step ahead of a possible Sydney Cup assignment.

“That (Roy Higgins Quality) is his next entry but there are a couple of entries in Sydney as well … I’ll leave that up to Ciaron,” he said.

Originally published as Impressive Ashrun demolishes Pakenham Cup field