George Scott is sending a talented team to York this week, spearheaded by the return of Caballo De Mar. The improving stayer saw his progress halted in the Ascot Gold Cup, where he weakened alarmingly late on.
Scott has given him time off to recover, and in the absence of Trawlerman, he’s confident he can get back on track. Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, via Sporting Life, George Scott said: “I maybe just didn’t appreciate how bad that draw was even over a race of that distance.
“I was very keen for Oisin to get into the position where Caballo likes to race. Which is on the hip of the leader and there was no let-up. He had to use the whole of the home straight to undertake my instructions. By the time he went past the post the first time, I said to Billy ‘it’s over, it’s done’.
“He took a bit of time to get over it. But I feel like he’s back to his best right now and I’m very, very pleased with him. I’m sorry to see Trawlerman out – what an amazing horse he’s been – but it’s blown the race wide open.”
Scott hoping the Withefords have worked stalls magic with Westacre
Elsewhere among Scott’s string is Westacre, who blew his race at the start at Goodwood. Scott said: “Westacre is a very fast horse. I don’t know what he was up to at Goodwood. He stood in the gate and nearly didn’t jump out so he’s been back at school with the Withefords.
Prydwen was also declared for the Stayer’s Handicap on Wednesday. Mrair has the Gimcrack in sight following on from a solid effort in the Coventry. On his absence, Scott said: “He’s taken a little bit of time since Ascot to strengthen up a bit. I’ve needed every day to get him to the Gimcrack. And, I hate to say it because it’s such an important race, I would expect him to come on a tick for it. That being said he’s a high quality horse and that race has cut up a little bit too.
An exciting recruit for the yard is Ridari. Now in the purple Amo silks, he returns to Europe after a failed stint in America. “We might run Ridari who is a new recruit to the yard in the Strensall. He was a high class horse in France last season. We’re really looking forward to getting his season started as well.”