Surgery unable to save Asher

NEW ORLEANS - Asher, a 4-year-old graded stakes-winning filly, died Tuesday in Kentucky. * had been showing signs of colic and underwent surgery, during which severe adhesions in her stomach were discovered. She was euthanized while still under anesthesia.

Trainer Ron Moquett, who trained Asher for Pepper Tree Farm, said Asher had been scheduled to ship to Fair Grounds on Friday. Asher, who made her last start in the Arlington Matron Handicap, was in Kentucky to get a breather from racing when she fell ill.

A daughter of Mountain Cat, she won seven races and more than $392,000 in a 27-start career. Her form hit a peak this summer, when she won the Grade 3 Gardenia at Ellis Park. "She was the best one that we ever had," Moquett said.

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