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Clive Cox's Jasour bounced back to something like his best to land the Group 3 Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot on Wednesday.
Clive Cox's charge was highly-tried at Group 1 level last season on the back of his impressive performance in the July Stakes at Newmarket and although he failed to make an impact on his final two starts as a juvenile, the Havana Grey colt would ensure he retained plenty of that sparkling early ability with a classy performance on his three-year-old reappearance.
The pace looked a genuine one with the likes of Got To Love A Grey, Purosangue and Starlust all towards the fore but it would be Jasour, who was held up last of the eleven-strong field under Jim Crowley, that would display the brightest turn of foot in the closing stages.
Jasour quickened up smartly once unleashed towards the centre of the track under Jim Crowley and the striking grey put clear daylight between himself and his rivals to run out a ready one- and three-quarter length winner.
The progressive Adaay In Devon (16/5 F) stayed on well to fill the runner-up spot, with Andrew Balding's Purosangue faring best of those who raced prominently back in third.
"I think he just got a little bit frightened as a juvenile," said Cox. "He pulled far too hard in the Middle Park, so we've worked and worked, and he's had some precious turnouts over the winter."
"The whole team has worked really hard, and Jim really seemed to strike a chord with him last year in the July Stakes and we're just pleased the whole plan has worked out well today."
"I was a little bit worried that the ground might be too easy for him but that didn't seem to be a problem for him. I think his July Stakes performance on quicker ground gives us a clear field in that respect and he's just come back in here with a completely different look in his eye. An understanding that life isn't that difficult if he gets it the right way around. And he did today."
Paddy Power were quick to react by cutting the winner to 12/1 (from 33s) for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, with Clive Cox full of excitement for his rejuvenated contender, who could be set to face Vandeek in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock en-route. "It was very rewarding to watch him through the winter," he added. "He's a real personality but today has been so rewarding and the Commonwealth Cup will absolutely be the target now."
"I think going via the Sandy Lane (to the Commonwealth Cup) would be nice and I look forward to seeing him on a sounder surface."
