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| Staff Writer |
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Astro King had to wait until he was almost 7YO to compete in a Group race, but according to British trainers Daniel and Claire Kubler, their stable's shining star has the potential to become a regular in the world's top racing events in the coming year, starting with the US$2m Howden Neom Turf Cup on Saturday.
Astro King's last appearance was in November's Bahrain International Trophy, where he finished in sixth place. Despite this, his team believed that he was unlucky in the race's closing stages. His performance in that race gave them a sense that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
"With a little more luck, he might well have placed second or third," Claire Kubler recalled at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, just off the plane from the UK, on Wednesday morning.
"He was on the rail in Bahrain and ran into traffic. It was frustrating but we had to notice that it was established horses like Point Lonsdale and Nations Pride that were in his path and he was finishing stronger than them."
The Kublers acquired Astro King from Sir Michael Stoute's stable for a relatively low transfer fee of approximately US$48,172.79 at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale in 2022. Since then, the talented horse has won two out of six starts, including a record-breaking win in the Cambridgeshire, a prestigious 1800m handicap race on fast ground at Newmarket.
His remarkable performance in the Cambridgeshire has opened doors to international racing opportunities. Rather than participating in the Winter Derby at Southwell, Astro King is now in contention to compete in one of the world's richest races - the US$2m Howden Neom Turf Cup.
"He looked great working on the dirt track," Claire Kubler continued. "It’s amazing for our team and his owners to be a part of this occasion. It’s so exciting and we feel he can run well."