Ashaar may try Nashua off good-looking debut win

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin debuted a good-looking 2-year-old colt on Saturday as Ashaar, a well-bred and expensive yearling purchase, won his debut by 2 1/2 lengths at Belmont.

Ashaar, a son of Into Mischief and a half-brother to multiple group stakes winner Mendip, covered seven furlongs in 1:22.50 under Joe Bravo and earned an 80 Beyer Speed Figure.

“It was a big race, we just don’t win very often first time,” said McLaughlin, who trains Ashaar for Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stable. “He’s always been a little green and difficult and that’s why he has the blinkers on. But he’s always shown talent.”

McLaughlin said Ashaar, a $650,000 yearling purchase, was also difficult around the gate, which delayed his debut until the fall.

Though it would mean running back in 18 days, McLaughlin said he would consider Ashaar for the Grade 3, $150,000 Nashua at Aqueduct on Nov. 3. McLaughlin also has Ajaaweed, a second-out winner who finished fourth in the Breeders’ Futurity, who could also run in the Nashua. Ajaaweed is also owned by Shadwell.