Connections of the supplemented QIPCO 2000 Guineas third Royal Scotsman are relishing a trip across the Irish Sea as the son of Gleneagles bids for success in Ireland’s first Classic of the season.
He finished a close second behind Chaldean in the Dewhurst at Newmarket as a two-year-old and shaped nicely when third behind that same rival in the 2000 Guineas on the Rowley Mile three weeks ago.
Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast joint-trainer Oliver Cole had this to say about his run at Newmarket and what chance he has this weekend: "For starters I think he was drawn on the wrong side [at Newmarket]. Having come out the stalls I think there was a slight interference with Little Big Bear. Apparently, we clipped heels and then he pulled for four furlongs, got taken back, and had to catch up a load of lengths at the end. To do that was pretty special in my opinion. I think on a level playing field and if he settles, I think he's a very very good horse. I'm taking nothing away from the winner, but it would be nice to meet him again one day, but we've obviously got the hurdle of the Irish Guineas first and he goes there in great form."
With regular rider Jim Crowley unavailable due to his Shadwell commitments Jamie Spencer has been booked to partner Royal Scotsman for the first time.
Oliver Cole added: "Jamie's [Spencer] has ridden a lot for Miss Fitri Hay [Royal Scotsman's owner] and he's probably the perfect fit really. He's got great hands and hopefully, he'll be able to settle the horse and do his magic. I think he'll suit the horse perfectly."
When asked about further plans beyond this weekend, Cole responded, "All goes well rolling onto Royal Ascot. We've obviously got a massive hill to climb before then."
Following his supplementary for this Saturday's feature at the Curragh Royal Scotsman now heads the market at a general 5/2.
