7th-Sept-2019

I think that Great Scot has a real chance of winning the Superior Mile, now that Miss O Connor has come out of the race.

Tom Dascombe’s horse ran well for a long way in the Greenham Stakes on his debut this season, when he was keen enough early on, and he didn’t run badly in the 2000 Guineas next time.

He could only finish third next time in the German 2000 Guineas, and he was well beaten in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot next time.  But he was given a break after that, and he was gelded, and he returned with a really encouraging run in the Group 3 Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury.

He led from flagfall that day, and he kept on well after he was passed, going down by a total of just a length behind Kick On and Accidental Agent.  That was a good run.

He should come on for that too, his first run after a break and his first run since being gelded, and he could do even better if he is settled behind the pace instead of leading.  He goes well on soft ground and he is two for two at Haydock.  He has lots in his favour.

There will be a small Rule 4 deduction for What’s The Story’s withdrawal, but not for Miss O Connor’s withdrawal, as we backed Great Scot after she was ruled out of the race yesterday.

GREAT SCOT WON (ADV 6/1 [R4], SP 7/2)