Bay City Roller is poised for a quick step up in class following his unbeaten run at Chelmsford on Thursday, with the Betfred Champagne Stakes at Doncaster emerging as a likely next target.
The New Bay colt began his career with a victory at Sandown in late July and extended his winning streak as the odds-on favourite in Essex. However, he had to work harder than anticipated to secure the win against Ralph Beckett’s promising newcomer Rock d’Oro.
Trainer George Scott was satisfied with Bay City Roller’s performance and is now considering a move up to Group Two level at Town Moor.
Scott commented, "I felt he needed more race experience before stepping into Pattern company, and he certainly got that. He had to battle hard, making the running on the all-weather. Callum (Shepherd) admitted he would have made a different move if he could ride the race again. He left the door slightly open for a very promising rival, but both horses learned from the experience."
"It was a job well done, and now we’re looking towards the Champagne Stakes. With just over two weeks until then, it will be a key race in deciding his future path. Options include the Lagardère, the Dewhurst, the Futurity Trophy back at Doncaster, or even the Goffs Million sales race in Ireland. We’re still evaluating where he fits in the hierarchy."
Scott also noted that while the ground was quick for Bay City Roller’s debut at Sandown, he believes the colt would perform even better on softer ground.
He added, "I’m convinced he prefers a cut in the ground. He won despite the quick surface at Sandown, and if it were soft at Doncaster, I don’t think it would be a problem. His dam, Bloomfield, won on soft ground, and New Bay’s progeny typically handle softer conditions well. He has a round action, and we’ve seen him thrive on soft ground in his work."