Royal Scotsman to fly high at the Curragh

Horses that run well in this race often go onto running well in big 3 year old handicaps such as the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. One stable that is no stranger to winning this race and the Britannia is that of John & Thady Gosden, and they saddle a very interesting runner in Covey. The son of Frankel was beaten only a neck by a 94 rated rival on his racecourse debut at Southwell over 7f, staying on strongly at the finish. He has then won maiden and novice races with some ease at Newmarket and Newcastle again over the distance of 7f. He now has a handicap mark of 90, which could be fair given that he looks certain to improve now stepping up to a 1m distance. Covey could easily progress into a smart performer, he has the scope and breeding to do so. He rates a 3 star win Pick.

Royal Scotsman was a high class 2-year old, winning at Group 2 level and finishing 2nd in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes behind the 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean. Royal Scotsman then ran a fine race behind that same rival in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, where he came through the pack to run on into 3rd. He looked like he might have got closer to the winner, but could have used up too much energy trying to settle in the early part of the race as well as the effort needed to make up the initial ground. That being Royal Scotsman's first run of the season, he should strip a lot fitter and be less fresh today. He has the best form in the race and rates a 2 star win Pick.