Asuka

The horse's form over the last six runs reads almost like a highlight reel. A win, then a place, a win, another place, a win, and a fourth-place finish most recently—that kind of record shows a horse that knows how to compete at its level and rarely runs badly. Asuka's last victory came at Thirsk six weeks ago, and although the most recent race didn't produce a win, finishing fourth suggests the horse remains sharp and competitive.

George Boughey's Newmarket yard has developed a reputation for sending out consistent performers, with 99 winners on the board this season alone, and Asuka fits that template perfectly. The four-year-old's first career win arrived at Newmarket in August 2024, and it has steadily proved itself capable of running well in quality company ever since. For a horse that wins half its races and finishes in the frame nine times out of ten, opportunities should keep coming, and there is little reason to think Asuka won't add to its tally soon enough.