Colin Scott is taking a positive look at Speediness’s near-miss in yesterday’s $1 million George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.
Instead of being shattered at another near-miss in a Group 1, Scott looked at his short neck second to Gordon Lord Byron as a great trial.
Scott, who trains a team of four at Caulfield, said the effort has him spot on for the Doncaster Mile.
“I’m elated, in no way am I disappointed, he went super,” Scott said.
“After his disappointing run the start before, all I just wanted to see was him back to his best and he was certainly back to that (onSaturday).
“The main goal was always the Donny and I said to anyone right from the start of the campaign that if he can be finishing within two or three lengths of them at weight-for-age he’ll be in it up to ears when he gets back to handicap conditions.
“To be beating home really good horses at weight-for-age, he’s exceeded my expectations.”
Speediness carried 59kg in the Ryder, but drops to 54kg in the $3 million Doncaster Mile, which will be run at Randwick on 12 April.
Australia’s premier mile race will be the Testa Rossa six-year-old’s sixth Group 1 start for the season and only once in his earlier assignments has he finished further back than fourth.
That was at his start before the Ryder, when he finished seventh of 10 in the Canterbury Stakes.
He was third in the Emirates, when beaten less than half a length, and also logged fourth placings in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Toorak Handicap.
Scott reported (Monday) morning that Speediness had come through the Ryder well and his only wish now is the wet weather that beset Sydney in the lead up to Rosehill Guineas Day continues on the road to The Championships.
“He ate well (Sunday) night and all indications are that he’s come through the run super,” Scott said.
“I just hope he gets a wet track. He likes it (wet) and if you’re going to get another wet track anywhere, you’re going to get it in Sydney at this time of year.”
Damien Oliver, who rode Speediness in the Ryder, retains the mount for the Doncaster Mile, in which he is a $15 chance.
– Racing Victoria
