Ascot Aspirations For No Nay Never Newcomer

Aesop’s Fables (2c No Nay Never - How’s She Cuttin’, by Shinko Forest) booked his ticket to Royal Ascot with a smart debut success at Navan on Saturday.

A half-brother to Windsor Castle winner Washington DC (Zoffany), the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was sent off second favourite for the five and a half furlong maiden. Tracking the leader under Ryan Moore, he was ridden entering the final furlong and ran on strongly to score by two and a quarter lengths in comfortable fashion.

Representing Ballydoyle, Chris Armstrong later commented, “We'll try and give him one run before Ascot - it will either be in the valuable winners' race at Naas or there's a winners' of one at the Curragh. Fingers crossed he is a very smart horse going forward. He's got plenty of options and is one you would love to have in your stable.”

Bred by Barronstown Stud, Aesop’s Fables is owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Westerberg. The No Nay Never colt’s other siblings include Chester Vase runner-up Sandhurst (Galileo).