Assail showed us what we already thought we knew, by making his turf debut a winning one.

He ran in the Slingsby Gin Handicap at Ascot yesterday, which was run over a mile and a half on good to firm ground.

He was drawn 3 of 7 runners and was ridden by Silvestre De Sousa.

They jumped out and he was a little keen early while they were sorting out their positions, but once he was dropped in, he settled well, travelling nicely, sitting in fourth, where he stayed for the most part of the race.

Coming round the final bend, 3 out, he started to make his move, drawing upsides the leader, and then going on and striding out well on the turf to win by 4 lengths.

Silvestre reported that he is still a bit green, which is understandable for this lightly raced son of No Nay Never, and he is an exciting prospect for owner Mr Raed El Youssef and trainer David Simcock.

Assail & Silvestre De Sousa
Slingsby Gin Handicap
Ascot Racecourse – 26.07.24