Scottish
Scottish did well to keep on as well as he did to finish fifth on his seasonal debut in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
Sent to the front from flagfall by James Doyle, he settled into a nice rhythm down the side of the course in front, with Highland Reel just a half a length behind him and the field stretched out behind. Still in front and travelling well when they started around the home turn, Scottish kicked about a length and a half clear as they straightened up and ran to the two-furlong pole. He still held a slender lead a furlong and a half out and, even after Ulysses and Decorated Knight and Highland Reel got past him, he still kept on willingly all the way to the line to take fifth place, just a total of three lengths behind the winner Highland Reel.
This was a fine effort from the Godolphin horse on this, his belated seasonal return, given that he was ridden as aggressively as he was. He does like to race prominently, but this was a big ask, to lead Highland Reel in a Group 1 race on his seasonal return, and he should be able to progress from this now. His best form is over nine or 10 furlongs, and he goes well on this good fast ground, but he could be worth another try now at a mile and a half. He raced here as if he wouldn't mind another two furlongs, and he ran well in the King George V Handicap and the Gordon Stakes and the Caulfield Cup last year, he finished second in all three, in his three attempts over a mile and a half.
He holds an entry in the Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting, and he would be of interest if he took his chance in that. He will also be of interest if he goes back to York this year, he could be an interesting outsider for the Juddmonte International, given that he was impressive in landing the Strensall Stakes at the Ebor meeting last year on his only run to date at the track.
Ascot, 21st June 2017
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