In a remarkable turn of events at Epsom Downs during the Spring Meeting, Sea Scout defied expectations and pulled off an impressive victory in the £50,000 Listed Blue Riband Trial. Despite being the least favoured among the seven contenders, this progressive colt showcased grit and potential as he surged ahead in the final stages to seal the win.
Guided masterfully by jockey Harry Davies, Sea Scout timed his challenge to perfection. After tracking the pacesetter Tiberius Thunder for much of the race, he made a decisive move in the home straight. Though the Irish-trained Trinity College pressed hard in the closing strides, the eventual winner showed enough determination to edge out his rival by a head. A stewards’ enquiry followed the tightly fought finish, but the result stood, underscoring Sea Scout’s well-earned triumph.
This wasn’t Sea Scout’s first sign of ability. His latest outing at Lingfield Park back in November ended with a victory, which hinted at his upward trajectory. Returning to the track after that success, he made a bold statement against stronger company and over a longer trip, suggesting that there’s much more to come from this emerging three-year-old.
The training duo of Simon and Ed Crisford have long held this colt in high regard. While his odds on the day suggested an outsider’s chance, those close to his preparation had confidence in his capabilities. Simon noted that despite Sea Scout’s laid-back demeanour during morning work, there’s an unmistakable spark in him when it truly matters—on race day. His proven stamina and affinity for the undulating Epsom track now position him as a genuine contender for major targets in the weeks to come.
Connections are eyeing a couple of significant races as potential next steps, including the Dante Stakes and possibly a run at Chester, should they feel the colt needs further sharpening. With entries in the Derby already confirmed, the Crisfords and owner Abdulla Al Mansoori will weigh their options carefully before committing to a specific route.
Bookmakers responded swiftly to Sea Scout’s performance, trimming his odds for the Derby to 33-1, a notable shift that reflects his newfound relevance in the Classic picture. While history suggests that winners of the Blue Riband Trial rarely go on to claim the Derby—Blue Peter being the sole example back in 1939—Sea Scout has already shown that he doesn’t necessarily follow the script.
For Harry Davies, the day held more than one reason to celebrate. Shortly after his success aboard Sea Scout, he returned to the winner’s enclosure with another well-judged ride on City Of Delight, securing a double at odds of 132-1 for the meeting. The young jockey’s growing reputation was burnished further by this standout performance.
Sea Scout may have started the day under the radar, but by the time he crossed the line, he had placed himself firmly on the radar for Epsom’s summer showpiece—and signalled that the journey has only just begun.
